PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY penrith.city

MAYOR’S GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE MESSAGE The Penrith Sport and Recreation Strategy is a blueprint for the Penrith Council recognises the importance of providing organised future development and enhancement of our community spaces and passive sport and recreation opportunities. This strategy guides throughout the wider Penrith Local Government Area. our continuing commitment to provide residents with a wide range of sporting activities within the local area as well as opportunities for The Strategy reflects the needs and expectations of our growing unstructured recreation in our open space network. community while setting a framework for the creation of an active, safe, healthy and vibrant city that enhances Penrith’s reputation as a Penrith Council will continue to experience growth. This strategy liveable city. prepares us for the future and will provide our existing and future residents with the infrastructure and open space to continue living While Council is driving this Strategy, a community wide approach active and healthy lives. is needed to deliver the program. Penrith Council will be working with all levels of Government, as well as state and local sporting We will continue to work with our community and stakeholders to and community organisations, to create a city with space to work, ensure our vision of diverse, accessible, safe and appealing open rest and play. spaces are provided for the whole community to enjoy.

This strategy would not be possible without the invaluable The Sport and Recreation Strategy is the tool that informs our future feedback and input we received from the wider community. A wide planning and delivery of Recreation and Open Space infrastructure range of individuals, community groups and sporting groups have that meets the needs of our community. participated in community consultation sessions and stakeholder discussions. The strategy will ensure we manage the growth and continue to provide our community with services and facilities they want and Many of the ideas, opinions and suggestions put forward by our need. The Strategy sets a clear direction and vision for the creation residents and organisations are now contained within this Strategy. of one of the state’s most liveable cities.

COUNCILLOR ROSS FOWLER OAM WARWICK WINN MAYOR, PENRITH CITY COUNCIL GENERAL MANGER, PENRITH CITY COUNCIL

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mayor’s Message 3 Delivering the Strategy 61 About the Strategy 5 Rural North 62 The Strategy at a Glance 6 Central North 64 The Strategy in Context 7 North East 66 A Transforming City 7 Central East 68 Demographics 7 Central 70 Infrastructure Growth 7 Central West 72 The Environment 10 East 1 74 Sport and Recreation Trends 13 East 2 76 East 3 78 Open Space 15 Central South 80 Open Space Planning 16 Type, Quantity and Distribution of Open Space 17 South East 82 Future Open Space Strategy and Actions 21 South West 84 Table 1: Strategies and Actions for 24 Definitions 86 Open Space Planning Play 35 Play in Penrith 36 Planning Frameworks and Guidelines 37 Playspace Trends and Principles 39 Future Playspace Strategy and Actions 40 Table 2: Strategies and Actions 42 Playspace Design Guidelines 44 Sport and Recreation 49 Sport in Penrith 50 Sport Strategic Framework 51 Recreation in Penrith 52 Sport and Recreation Tourism 54 Future Sport and Recreation Strategies and Actions 55 Table 3: Future Sport and Recreation Strategies 56 and Actions

4 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY ABOUT THE STRATEGY DELIVERING THE STRATEGY The Penrith Sport and Recreation Strategy forms the road map for the future The strategies and actions included in this document respond to the core objectives provision of sport, play, recreation and open space facilities across the City for for the provision of: the next 15 years. • Open Space To determine the needs of the City, the strategy has been developed in • Play consultation with our communities, and after a review of Federal and NSW • Sport and Recreation strategies/policies as well as Local Government strategies/policies. For the purpose of the strategy, the City has been divided into ‘Aggregated Areas’. The Aggregated Areas have been developed based on Profile ID statistics and Council facilitated two community forums,12 ‘pop up’ community engagement reflect the demographics, size and varying residential, rural and commercial districts. sessions and an online survey for residents to inform us of the current level of The map on this page identifies the ‘Aggregated Areas.’ provision of sport, recreation, play and open space in the City. Council further engaged with 62 local sport entities, nine State Sporting Organisations and non- sporting groups through an online survey and facilitated a Summer and Winter sports forum to discuss the existing and future provision of sport and recreation needs.

The core objectives of the strategy are to:

• Plan for Growth – ensure that the provision and delivery of sport, play, recreation and open space meets the needs of the city’s current population and future growth. • Promote Accessibility and Inclusion – encourage active and healthy lifestyles for all in the community by optimising access and functionality. • Support Environmental Sustainability – conserve and enhance the City’s natural values as an integral part of the landscape of public open space and, respond to climate change. • Create Economic Benefits – foster recreation-based participation, infrastructure development and visitation to the City that benefits the local economy. • Manage the City’s Assets – inform strategic asset management to ensure modern facility provision supported by ongoing maintenance of existing assets. • Sustainably Resource Strategies – produce sport, recreation, play and open space strategies supported by the appropriate funding sources. • Monitor and Evaluate Outcomes – review and refine strategies based on key performance indicators.

5 THE STRATEGY AT A GLANCE

6 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY THE STRATEGY IN CONTEXT

A TRANSFORMING CITY Penrith’s population is expected to grow to 258,195 by 2036: an increase • More people born overseas increasing 19.9% between 2011-2016. of almost 60,000 people based on today’s population figures. An • More people are speaking languages other than English at home, this additional 24,300 homes are required to meet the needs of a growing has increased 43% since 2011, with almost 1 in 5 speaking a language and diverse population and a Local Housing Strategy is being prepared other than English. in this respect. New housing will be delivered in new residential areas in • Penrith’s Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) for relative Caddens, Glenmore Park, Jordan Springs, Orchard Hills, Western Sydney socio-economic disadvantage is 999. Leonay is the highest at 1,044 University and Luddenham (Sydney Science Park). It is anticipated that and North St Marys the lowest at 833. Greater Sydney is 1,018 and there will also be changing housing types, as well as mixed-use and high NSW 1001. density residential developments in the Penrith City Centre, St Marys • Penrith has a higher median income ($1,655) to that of Australia Town Centre, and around stations on the T1 Western Line and Sydney ($1,431) but slightly lower than Greater Sydney ($1,745). Metro Greater West. • 63.9% of labour force is employed full time and 5.7% is unemployed. • 35.9% of people, 15 years and over, have completed secondary DEMOGRAPHICS education to year 10 or above. • 5.2% of people report needing help day to day because of a disability. In planning for the growth of the City, the Penrith Sport and Recreation • 66.5% of Penrith residents commute an average of 21 kms to work. Strategy recognises the changing composition of our communities and identifies the requirement to provide services and infrastructure that • 80% of dwellings are low density (separate houses), 15.2% are meets their needs through different stages of life. The demographic medium density and 3.9% (i.e. apartments) are high density. snapshot is: • 33% of Penrith adults are overweight and 37% are obese. • 17% of children (2-17 years) are overweight and 8.6% obese. • There is almost an even split of male and female residents. • 71% of people over 18 years old undertake no or low exercise (less • 65-74 year olds are the fastest growing age group in the LGA. than 150 minutes) over the course of a week. • Median age of residents is 34 years old with life expectancy being 82.6 years. • 34.9% of residents are under 25 years old. • More households in Penrith have children (51.4%) when compared to Greater Sydney (45.8%) and Australia (40.7%). • There is an average of 2.9 people per household. • There is a growing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, 3.9% of people.

7 THE STRATEGY IN CONTEXT

INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH There are major initiatives that will continue to impact on open space • Employment lands expansion. planning provision into the future. This plan while seeking to anticipate • Expected progressive opening of the Penrith Lakes Scheme for public future development, will need to be reviewed periodically as new recreation. initiatives emerge and progress. It should be noted that many of these • The development of the Sydney Science Park, Luddenham. proposals are in early planning phases and may not be realised for a number of years.

These include: PRESERVING THE BALANCE In accommodating this growth, Council recognises how important it is • Implementation of the Western City District Plan Planning Priorities that sport, recreation, play, open space, the environment, rural lands (Western Parkland City) including: and other green infrastructure is preserved and maintained. It is vital • Western Sydney Airport Growth Area; Greater Penrith that present and future residents have access to spaces and places that Collaboration Area; Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek Growth provide social, economic and environmental benefits. Area; Horsley Park and Mount Vernon Urban Investigation Area; Orchard Hills Investigation Area. In striving to achieve this, the Penrith Sport and Recreation Strategy • The Greater Sydney Green and Blue Grid as part of District includes clear guidelines to ensure future developments provide the Plans. appropriate type, quantity and quality of open space recreational areas and facilities. The strategies and actions outlined in this document • Future Transport 2056; focusing on decisions the NSW Government define the specifications for use by developers and other agencies when needs to make to address major road and rail infrastructure to considering infrastructure provision in the city. service Western Sydney and the Airport. • State Infrastructure Strategy 2018-2038: sets out the NSW Government’s priorities for the next 20 years, and combined with Future Transport Strategy 2056 and A Metropolis of Three Cities brings together infrastructure investment and land-use planning for Cities and Regions. • Western Sydney City Deal; a 20-year agreement between the Australian and NSW Government and Councils to deliver major transformation in Sydney’s Outer West. • Growth in service provision in the health and education corridors east of the Penrith CBD.

8 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY 9 THE ENVIRONMENT BIODIVERSITY Penrith has a diverse range of native species and vegetation communities, with at least 132 species of native fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals, over WATER WAYS 200 native bird species and over 500 plant species. There are also 13 distinct vegetation communities, most of which are threatened and listed for protection Our City is within the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment, with 60% of under Commonwealth and NSW legislation. land draining to South Creek and the remaining 40% draining directly to the Nepean River. Penrith’s other major waterways include Mulgoa Bushland and remnant vegetation is important to provide habitat for native Creek, Cosgrove Creek, Kemps Creek, Blaxland Creek, Ropes Creek species, help cool the environment and support cleaner waterways and air. It also and Rickabys Creek, as well as Cranebrook Wetlands and Yarramundi provides green space for community enjoyment, contributes to the City’s identity Lagoon. and is irreplaceable.

These waterways are an important ecological, hydrological, recreational The major threats to bushland and diversity are vegetation clearing, illegal and cultural resource. They provide habitat for native species and dumping, feral animals, pollution and nutrients from storm water run-off, weeds, support groundwater dependent ecosystems. They provide for and unmanaged recreation trails. The City contains about 17% of the remaining movement of water through the landscape, including stormwater, flood bushland of the Cumberland Plain. This is the highest proportion of any Local waters and wastewater. They support recreational activities and are Government Area and Council has a responsibility to ensure its conservation. appreciated for their aesthetic quality within the landscape. They also Some of this bushland is already protected in conservation areas such as Blue provide a sense of place in the community. Mountains National Park; Agnes Banks, Castlereagh, Wianamatta and Mulgoa Nature Reserves, and Wianamatta Regional Park. There are about 1370ha of land As the City continues to grow there will be increased pressure on the within the Orchard Hills Defence Establishment included on the Commonwealth water ways and riparian corridors. New development and investment Heritage list for natural heritage values, particularly its native vegetation. in infrastructure can provide opportunities for increased health of the waterways and riparian corridors such as linking green spaces and The Department of Planning and Environment is preparing a Cumberland restoring degraded bushland and banks. Council’s planning framework Plain Conservation Plan. The purpose of the Conservation Plan is to guide applies W1 Natural Waterways, W2 Recreation Waterways and E2 the development of Western Sydney over the next 38 years, including the Conservation zones to major waterways and riparian corridors. In a development of the Western Parkland City, by identifying the most important few locations the RE1 Public Recreation zone is applied. These zones, areas of biodiversity and putting plans in place to protect those areas for the together with local planning and development controls, help protect long term. these important environmental assets. The City’s ‘biodiversity network’ comprises land within conservation reserves and The Greater Sydney Region Plan’s Vision for the South Creek Corridor zoned E1 National Parks and Nature Reserves, land zoned E2 Environmental is to transform its water management, while using the creek corridor Conservation and Natural Resource Sensitive Land in the current LEP. to form the spine of the Western Parkland City. Its catchment will experience major and sustained growth as growth areas such as the As much of the information about the City’s bushland and biodiversity is at a Western Sydney Aerotropolis development. The Vision proposes a broad landscape scale and has not been confirmed by a systematic ground green corridor that provides sites for parks, walking and cycling trails, survey, a biodiversity study will be required to detail areas of high conservation community facilities and ecological services including nutrient capture to value in the short-medium term, informed by the Cumberland Conservation improve water quality, urban cooling and local habitat. Plan.

10 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY THE ENVIRONMENT COOLING THE CITY Taking action to cool the city, in conjunction with supporting the community to adapt to a changing climate, is increasingly important, given the consistent SCENIC AND CULTURAL projections of increasing heatwaves and the number of extreme temperature LANDSCAPES days for the Western Sydney region. The protection of high-value scenic and cultural landscapes is important Council has developed the ‘Cooling the City Strategy’ which has a range of to the community as well as to people visiting and working in the City. It actions to increase green infrastructure, Water Sensitive Urban Design, policy is therefore important to document where these landscapes are, what is development and ongoing community engagement across the City. These important about them, and identify how best to protect and manage the actions include planting within road reserves and public spaces, and establishing landscapes so that their inherent values are retained. tree canopy cover targets for new and existing urban areas, particularly those vulnerable to urban heat. A Scenic and Cultural Landscapes Study is being prepared to identify high value landscapes within the City. Seven landscapes of high value Penrith currently has 12.3% urban tree canopy cover. The NSW Government has have been identified. Three landscapes have significance at a regional or set a target to increase tree canopy cover across Greater Sydney to 40 per cent. higher level: The urban tree canopy mitigates the urban heat island effect, with a 10 per cent increase in tree canopy cover reducing the land surface temperature by 1.13 • The Mulgoa Valley, including the villages of Mulgoa and Wallacia. degrees Celsius. 25% of Penrith’s suburbs have 0-10% tree canopy cover. This • The Western Forested Hills along the Western Edge of the Mulgoa strategy both integrates the relevant actions of the ‘Cooling the City Strategy’ Valley. and includes others which will contribute to mitigating the urban heat • The Nepean River Corridor from Wallacia in the South to Yarramundi island effect. Crossing in the North.

Four landscapes have significance at a local level: BLUE AND GREEN GRID • Three landscapes at different locations along Castlereagh Road. The Western City District Plan, informed by the Sydney Green Grid, identifies • The Northern Road landscape from Park Road to the M4 Motorway. a number of priority corridors and projects for Penrith to promote a Green and In addition, large tracts of vegetation and major creeks have been Blue grid for the City. identified as having local scenic and cultural significance. Regional vistas and view corridors to major landscape features like the Blue Mountains Priority Corridors for Penrith: Escarpment and the Nepean River are also recognised. South Creek – creating a continuous open space corridor along all of South Creek that provides ecological protection and enhancement, better stormwater treatment and a regionally significant corridor for recreation uses.

Penrith Lakes Parklands – creating diverse open space parklands and waterway facilities around the lakes and along the Nepean River with pedestrian and cycle

11 links from Penrith and important links with the Great River Walk Project.

Ropes Creek – protecting and enhancing ecologically valued lands, improving water quality and stormwater run-off, and providing a diverse and connected sequence of recreational open spaces, walking and cycling trails.

Blaxland Creek and Bushland Reserve – protecting important future open spaces for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis Growth Area.

Nepean Creeks – Peach Tree, Mulgoa and Surveyors Creeks enhancing and protecting these assets and increasing access and recreational opportunities.

Cranebrook – Windsor Nature Reserve Corridor – planning for the Wianamatta Nature Reserve, Castlereagh Nature Reserve and Windsor Downs Nature Reserve to protect and enhance regionally significant ecological communities and connect them to improve resilience, while also improving water quality and stormwater treatment along Rickaby’s Creek and providing open space links to other areas.

Eastern Escarpment Open Space Trails (with Blue Mountains) – connecting a series of recreational and tourist open space facilities along the escarpment to maximise the unique landscape and views.

Great Western Highway Penrith to Blackheath Corridor – creating a safe and separated east-west walking and cycling connection from Penrith to Blackheath.

Shanes Park and Wianamatta Regional Park – protecting important areas of biodiversity that also provide connections to Ropes Creek and South Creek.

Warragamba Pipeline Open Space Corridor – considering use of surplus easement lands for recreation open space, urban greening and walking and cycling trails.

URBAN GRID The Urban Grid comprises major road and rail corridors with capacity to include cycle and associated pedestrian paths. While few will use these corridors for long walk or cycle trips these corridors form critical connective roles linking disparate elements of the Blue and Green Grid.

12 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY Australia and other countries of the Organisation for Economic SPORT AND Cooperation and Development (OECD) face an aging population. This will change the types of sports we play and how we play them. There are RECREATION TRENDS indications that Australians are embracing sport into their old age. To retain strong participation rates, sports of the future will need to cater for senior citizens. They will also need to cater for the changing cultural Understanding trends in both society and more specifically people’s make-up of Australia. recreational activities, has a direct and indirect impact on the way sport Volunteers: Decreasing personal time has led to a decline in volunteers. and recreation is managed and provided by Council. The following is an This is relevant with our aging society that unlike their parents, have the overview of some modern trends in Australian society: flexibility and often greater resources for travel and a range of leisure Awareness: There is increasing recognition of the benefits of open time activities. Volunteer numbers in Penrith have increased between space, sport and recreation in improving quality of life, health and 2006-2016, however are still lower when compared to Greater Sydney wellbeing. This has led to higher expectations for future facilities, NSW. programs and services. Litigation: Increased awareness of safety, public liability and child Culture: Penrith is a multi-cultural community where people recognise protection have added to the legal responsibilities and liabilities the value of celebrating diversity as well as requesting activities and providers and community groups are subject to. facilities not traditionally catered for in mainstream recreation. Young People: Increasingly for this age cohort there is a preference Sedentary Lifestyles: The link between the benefits of physical activity for individual and unstructured / informal activities rather than team and an individual’s physical and mental health and well-being is well or group activities. Younger children are also being encouraged to documented. reconnect with nature through nature play and experiencing the outdoors. The design of playspaces is therefore changing and the Currently 56% of all Australian adults are insufficiently active and 75% of traditional playgrounds design model is being challenged. adults 65 and over are not meeting the national guidelines for physical activity. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of people living in socio-economic Work Patterns: Working hours extend outside the traditional 9-5 disadvantaged areas are not sufficiently physically active, compared with resulting in people seeking activities during times not traditionally 40% with no socio-economic disadvantage. catered for. The need for greater flexibility in the management and structure of sport and recreation is required including access to open Walking for exercise remains the most popular national physical space. recreational activity, with 19% of people aged 15 years and over doing so at least once in the 12 months. Females were more likely to walk for Individualised sport and fitness activities are on the rise with people exercise than males (25% and 14% respectively). Fitness and gym were fitting sport into their increasingly busy and time-fragmented lifestyles to the next most popular activity (17%) again with more females than males achieve personal health objectives. Participation rates in fitness training, participating (19% and 16% respectively). running, walking and gym memberships have all risen sharply over the past decade while participation rates for many organised sports have Longevity: Our ageing society is shifting the priorities in sport and held constant or declined. recreation to include the need to ensure physical access is addressed while considering the range of programs provided for older adults.

13 Public Realm: Consideration for the public realm and the significance The broader benefits of sport are being increasingly recognised by governments, placed on the spaces between buildings, streetscapes and public places business and communities. Sport can help achieve mental and physical health, have changed dramatically over time in response to developmental and crime prevention, social development and international cooperation objectives. lifestyle factors. Lifestyle and Adventure Activities: This captures the rise of lifestyle, Technology: Greater access to technology, the internet and longer adventure and alternative sports popular with younger generations. These sports opening hours of entertainment venues has seen these elements as key typically involve complex, advanced skills and have some element of inherent competitors to sport and recreation for people’s time. Positively, access danger and/or thrill-seeking. They are also characterised by a strong lifestyle to technology provides clubs with a range of marketing tools aimed at element and participants often obtain cultural self-identity and self-expression their members, as well as avenues for people to engage and understand through them. opportunities and opportunities for management and operations to be more effective. Commercial Cost: Market forces are likely to exert greater pressure on sport in the future. In some sports, elite athletes have had considerable pay rises and Community Sport: The administration of sporting clubs has become large sponsorship deals. Sports with higher salaries may draw athletes away from more complex with the increased emphasis on risk and optimising use. those with lower salaries. Loosely organised community sports associations are As a consequence, administrators are required to manage clubs in a likely to be replaced by organisations with corporate structures and more formal professional, almost business-like manner. governance systems in light of market pressures. The cost of participating in sport is also rising and this is a participation barrier for many people. Infrastructure: Much existing sport and recreation infrastructure is the legacy of a surge in development witnessed in the mid to late 1970s – in many cases it is over 40-years-old and nearing its useable life. Modern planning methods and demands on open space and sport now mean Councils are taking stock of their facilities and looking at design and location to ensure optimal use and access.

Climate: Climate change has impacted on sports fields, play facilities and open space provision as well as the community’s recreation patterns and demands and biodiversity in our open spaces. This has led managers to look at innovative ways to maintain and develop new management practices to balance access and risk whether that is irrigation, new turf technology, no mow areas, increasing shade cover, increasing tree canopies, species diversity, succession planting, and provision of water play among others.

Urban Development: An increasing population and housing density within our cities and town centres (and the appreciation that this will continue into the future) has resulted in a decrease in private and public open space. Trends acknowledge that higher value must be placed on public realm and greater investment made into quality spaces for use by people to spend time, connect with nature, interact and recreate.

14 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY OPEN SPACE

VISION

“An accessible and connected network providing for a range of active, passive, structured and unstructured needs. Open space in Penrith will offer a range of opportunities and will be managed in a sustainable manner for current and future generations.“

15 In addition, Landcom’s Open Space Planning and Design Guidelines include OPEN SPACE principles for the provision of open space which: • Are Meaningful to Place and Community - The planning and design of any OPEN SPACE PLANNING setting should be responsive to its natural and cultural context. • Are Multi-Functional and Adaptable - Public open space needs to be Current studies, policies, strategies and guidelines have been published adaptable to a range of uses and users, and also to meeting changing which provide more contemporary approach to open space provision. recreational needs over time. • Provide Diversity - Our diverse communities have equally diverse recreational Greener Places: Government Architect NSW Policy green infrastructure needs. Diversity of opportunity ensures that most needs will be met. document Greener Places, is supported by three sets of draft guidelines published in 2018: • Encourage Social Interaction - The principal reason that most people participate in any given recreation including sport is for social interaction. It • (DRAFT) Open Space for Recreation is therefore essential that every setting actively encourages, promotes and • (DRAFT) Bushland and Waterways caters for social interaction. • (DRAFT) Urban Tree Canopy. • Promote Health and Wellbeing - A sense of wellbeing, inherent in physical and mental health is strongly tied to places to meet people, to walk and run about, play sport or to have contact with nature. Key strategies from the Government Architects NSW Policy identifies • Provide Equity and Accessibility - Proximity and accessibility are key strategies for providing open space for recreation including: determinants of the use and enjoyment of parks and reserves. While the distribution of public open space in established communities is largely fixed, • Improve the provision and diversity of open space for recreation the opportunity exists to maximise accessibility. • Understand the demands on existing open space and plan for open • Embody Environmental Sustainability - Parks and open spaces play a pivotal space in new growing communities role in maintaining a healthy natural environment. Whether through the • Improve the quality of open space for better parks and facilities protection and extension of natural habitat, the conservation of natural • Use open space to connect people to nature resources or design for low embodied energy. • Link to network of green space • Ensure Financial Sustainability - The key to long term financial sustainability • Encourage physical activity by providing better parks and better of open space lies in its relevance to its community. The effective design of amenity the site’s layout, its orientation and functional relationships both within and adjoining the site. • Provide open space that is multifunctional and fit for purpose • Design versatile flexible spaces • Consider life cycle costs, management and maintenance Everyone Can Play - A NSW State Government program to improve accessibility of all play spaces for children.

5 Million Trees – A NSW State Government program seeks to achieve the planting of 5 million trees across the Sydney Metro area.

16 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY TYPE, QUANTITY AND Creeks & Wetlands - Water bodies, e.g. lake, pond, creek. Ancillary - Spaces not zoned for public open space, primarily with an amenity DISTRIBUTION OF function e.g. road reserves, wide medians, reservoirs, rail corridors, service OPEN SPACE easements, ornamental garden beds, LGA gateways.

The importance of maintaining significant open space to meet the Informal - Spaces not zoned for public open space, with another primary existing and future needs of the community is critical to Penrith City. function, but which are used periodically for recreation with permission by the Access to open space and recreation provides numerous social, owner, e.g. school grounds, community gardens, car parks, building rooves. environment and economic benefits including the promotion of healthy lifestyles and the improved wellbeing of residents. Scenic and Cultural Landscapes – landscapes that are valued for their scenic quality, natural conservation values and because they provide attractive vistas from public places. TYPES Currently, open space in the City is provided within the following setting types:

Passive Parklands - Unstructured open space - no formal active recreation component. Reserves which have their physical character or vegetation modified to support community recreation / community development needs and wellbeing uses.

Outdoor Sports - Venues designed to support organised sports, including training and competition. Indoor sports such as swimming pools or sports halls would categorise as Civic and Urban Spaces.

Civic & Urban Spaces - Spaces that accommodate social gatherings and events - General Community Use. e.g. plaza, squares, shopping centre forecourts, public building forecourts.

Natural Areas, Bushland and Biodiversity Networks - Reserves created to protect and enhance natural and/or cultural resources. Also have a passive recreation / leisure function, e.g. walking, cycling, tourism.

River Foreshore - Foreshores include spaces within tideline including access to waterway. May include open water body itself where this has a recreational use, e.g. sailing / rowing, launching ramps, sailing / rowing, protected wildlife areas.

17 open space response is not identified. • The potential for the loss of open space or fragmentation of natural systems QUANTITY AND DISTRIBUTION dependent on the provision of new transport infrastructure. Our community values access to open space and appreciates being • Many significant recreation and corridor creek corridors and trails are close to natural and rural landscapes and, has a strong desire for discontinuous and lack connection, limiting community benefit. Connection environmental protection and enhancement. from residential and urban areas to these trails and corridors and, between open space, is limited. The Penrith LGA is bordered by open space which offers significant • Climate in Penrith is extreme in summer and winter, with climate change an recreational value and opportunities including the Blue Mountains and ongoing challenge in terms of cooling city, while maintaining and operating the Western Sydney Parklands. open space provision. Significant opportunities exist for our community to access open space • Planning, design and maintenance of open space with respect to objectives, into the future with the as yet unrealised potential of Penrith Lakes; quality and service level needs to be more closely aligned. the recently opened Wianamatta Regional Park; South Creek to be the A more specific assessment indicates: centre of the new Western Parkland City; the ongoing implementation of the Our River Masterplan; the realisation of the Green Grid; and • 10% of all parks have an area of less than 0.1ha, a critical issue with current potential for other locations to offer recreational benefits subject to the best practice suggesting that a local reserve should optimally be 0.5ha or at direction of the NSW Government. a minimum 0.3ha in established inner urban areas. In the Penrith LGA, there are over 600 reserves covering more than 1,200 • 22.5% of parks are less than 0.2ha and 46% are 0.5ha or less, a statistic that ha of open space. Approximately 8,000 hectares of the City is zoned for also reflects the high level of duplication of small precincts in some Precincts nature reserves or national park. Most residents enjoy open space within (often in close proximity, less than 0.5kms apart, hence within 200-250m of 500 metres of home and the median amount of local open space across many residences for example East 1 and East 2). all Aggregated Area planning precincts is approx. 5ha/per 1000 persons • Existing sportsground and sport facility provision will not meet demand (some precincts have significantly high ratios). from expected population growth with an additional 84 hectares of active open space required. This will increase by up to an additional 60 hectares While this quantum and distribution provides opportunity, there are dependent on future NSW Government transport infrastructure planning. current challenges presented by the current open space network and a • There is the opportunity to make more of the City’s existing open space to strategic approach is required to ensure the community is best placed to better meet current and future needs. enjoy the benefits of integrated greenspace provision into the future. • Existing reserve layout and design should be revisited to increase carrying Key challenges include: capacity and meet a range of recreation needs becoming multi-use. • Future proposed new release areas will increase pressure on open space • The Aggregated Areas with the highest population forecasts to 2036 unless appropriate quantity, connections, and distribution is managed. Early (e.g. Central North, Central South, Central East, South East & South planning in the urban investigation areas is critical to securing the most West) will witness a significant drop in amounts of open space per appropriate open space (for example South East). head of population if; new release areas are not planned to provide appropriate quality and quantity of open space, no new open space • There is an opportunity to improve access to and between public open is acquired in this timeframe in these precincts, or an alternative spaces at a local level to encourage more regular day-to-day incidental use of open space.

18 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY • While there are significant recreation and corridor creek corridors and trails, many are discontinuous and lack of connection limits community benefit. • Our community values access to open space and appreciates being close to natural and rural landscapes and has a strong desire for environmental protection and enhancement, however there is infrastructure (roads, rail) providing barriers. • There is the opportunity to consolidate the Green Grid to support ecological services and complete recreational links that draw on the City’s significant river, creek and bushland landscapes. • There is the opportunity to integrate contact with nature - into all reserves even at the most basic level (e.g. natural elements in urban play spaces). • There is a need to ensure that new transport infrastructure does not result in loss of open space or fragmentation of natural systems • There are opportunities to offer an increased diversity of experience and landscape character in all open space, as well as better recognition of cultural diversity in the City through planning and design that reflect local variations in environment, heritage and the community. • Continuing to adopt place-based approaches engagement will allow open space design and facility infrastructure provision that continues to meet the needs of the local community.

19 20 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY supporting infrastructure such as car parking, floodlighting, seating, amenities FUTURE OPEN SPACE buildings; cultural and civic spaces for events or ceremonies; specific areas of STRATEGY AND ACTIONS interest including natural areas, bushland and riverside settings; single and group picnic areas; park amenity buildings; other possible uses may include The Open Space Strategy provides a cornerstone for future open space community gardens, community/public art and other interpretive items, youth provision through the planning, design and management of the physical and mixed recreation spaces, walking/cycling loops, dog off leash areas, on and environment in which recreation and leisure takes place. It balances off street parking, boat ramps, river jetties and access to the river for watersports. quantity provision metrics, open space performance, spatial planning frameworks, and distribution to provide direction by: Citywide Open Space – will provide a variety of active and passive recreation opportunities for residents across the whole of the LGA and the catchment may • Creating equitable access extend across other neighbouring LGA boundaries. These spaces may provide • Supporting an increasing diversity of activity unique recreation opportunities or landscape settings. • Integrating the network Typical uses, functions and facilities include; large children’s play areas that • Connecting open space may include adventure play and inclusive all abilities play; sports facilities • Establishing multi-functional open space that accommodate multiple sports and hard courts (indoor and outdoor) • Encouraging participation. with supporting infrastructure such as car parking, floodlighting, seating, amenities buildings; cultural and civic spaces for large community events and/ Access to existing and future public open space is to be provided or ceremonies; large areas of natural significance, including river frontage; areas through an integrated network of Local, District, Citywide, Linear, of open space for specific events that attract visitors and tourism; other possible Sporting and Regional Spaces. uses include community and sports centres, kiosks, cafes and restaurants; Local Open Space – provides convenient access to passive and some community/public art and other interpretative items; walking/cycling loops; active recreation for nearby residents of all ages within walking distance. youth and mixed recreation spaces, walking/cycling loops, dog off leash areas, on and off street parking, boat ramps, river jetties and access to the river for Typical uses, functions and facilities include; passive un-irrigated area, watersports. low key planting, shade, seating (natural or bench), play equipment catering for predominantly 0-6 years, paths only as required to access Sporting Spaces – relates to areas where the primary role is for the purpose of park and seats/play, play spaces, some isolated sports facilities, some supporting organised sport, including training and competition. Such a space picnic/low key BBQ facilities and shade/tables, informal active areas, could provide sportsgrounds, athletics tracks, courts and other sports surfaces, passive areas for family recreation including small kick-about areas. and may include buildings where there is a recreation function (e.g. sports halls, aquatic centres etc.) District Open Space – is larger and provides for a variety of active and passive recreation needs of the residents with a catchment across two or Linear Open Space – relates to areas where the primary role may not be m ore suburbs. These spaces can accommodate large group activities, public open space but where recreation can occur and is often associated with organised sports and offer opportunities for cultural expression and movement oriented recreation (walking and cycling) e.g. creek lines, storm water environmental education. channels, linear trails, native vegetation corridors, river foreshores, rail corridors etc. Typical uses, functions and facilities include; playspaces for all ages; sports facilities that accommodate multiple sports and hard courts with These areas are significant and serve as supplementary green links between

21 existing parks and reserves and are particularly important in suburbs identified as deficient in open space and new developments where KEY STRATEGIES connectivity is essential. These could include river, creek walks, trails, 1. Optimise open space for existing populations where access is not wildlife corridors with trails, a network linking local reserves forming a optimal and significant growth is expected. recreation corridor. 2. Improve the quantity and distribution of open space in established Regional Open Space - serves the Local Government Area, surrounding urban areas to better match current and future population needs. LGA’s, the Sydney Metropolitan Area and has the capacity to attract visitors from other regions. Regional Parks also provide local access and 3. Acquire land to compensate any category and classification of open regional access. A Regional Open Space could be managed by State space land lost through future development of transport corridors agencies. Trusts, local governments, and/or other public bodies. and any other infrastructure development.

Establishing a connected green and blue grid - a network of waterways, 4. The Open space network in undeveloped greenfield growth areas bushland, urban tree canopy, parks and other open spaces – is important (i.e. South East) is planned to ensure a strategic approach to a for a sustainable city. Connected bushland and waterways are essential sustainable open space network framed around natural values. for habitat and ecological health. They are also important for managing water quality, stormwater flows and flood risks. An urban tree canopy is 5. Access to existing and future public open space will be important to help adapt to and mitigate the effects of heat. It can also provided through an integrated network in a hierarchy of local, help to reduce air and noise pollution, provide local habitat and improve district,citywide and regional. the urban landscape. Parks and open spaces are important for recreation, 6. Open space in the City will contribute to the value and exercise and social interaction. By providing a connected grid, the City understanding of place. can support walking, cycling and better access to these green spaces, to promote a healthier and more active community. 7. Open space will be provided in the appropriate configuration to ensure the capacity of the open space accommodates a range of The City’s growing population and need for housing and employment recreation activities and needs. land will present both challenges and opportunities for connecting our green and blue grid. Some of those challenges include protecting 8. A network of open space will be provided and designed to existing bushland and urban trees with increased development; providing accommodate multi-use inclusive participation opportunities for connections across existing and planned transport infrastructure; and different recreation types. funding new green spaces in locations close to where people live, particularly with the long-term trend towards higher density housing. 9. Open space connectivity will link recreational, cultural, heritage and natural values. With growth, however, there are also opportunities to provide green spaces or ‘green infrastructure’ that delivers multiple social, environmental 10. Open space will promote the awareness and recognition of Penrith’s and economic benefits through careful planning and design. For Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage. example, by integrating green spaces with new water management or transport infrastructure, ecological health as well as community health 11. The open space network will have quality public realm in its the outcomes can be delivered. By creating quality green spaces and centres including squares, plazas, and active streets. connecting them, the City can also deliver economic benefits by catering for visitors as well as residents.

22 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY 12. An integrated action plan that includes all modes of access will operations, extend information and communication, and enhance create better access to existing and future public open space. administration.

13. A network of open space will be provided that provides green 24. Planning and management of public open space will be governed infrastructure for climate adaptation and resilience. by contemporary Open Space Design and Planning Guidelines, contemporary Plans of Management and Masterplans, and an open 14. Maintenance of open space will support environmental space inventory. sustainability.

15. The natural geography of the Penrith LGA is to be integrated into the planning, design and management of open space. Table 1 (below) outline the strategies and associated implementation actions for the Penrith LGA as a whole. Open space strategies and 16. Compliment, conserve, extend and promote the appreciation and actions specific to each Aggregated Area are included in the section enjoyment of bushland throughout the Penrith LGA. Aggregated Area Open Space, Play, Sport & Recreation Strategic 17. Enhance recreational and natural systems connectivity through the Actions. continual upgrade and embellishment of all river and creek open spaces.

18. Create economic returns from public open space and reinvest in providing higher quality open space outcomes which meet community need.

19. Improve the liveability of the City through the presentation and maintenance of open space, and the quality and quantity of infrastructure provided.

20. Maintenance and management of open space provides an effective and efficient level of service.

21. A Strategic Asset Management Plan and Asset Renewal Plan will guide the future infrastructure development in public open space.

22. Ongoing engagement with a range of open space stakeholders will be utilised to extend the reach and capacity of the open space network.

23. Use of technology will broaden recreational value, enhance

23 TABLE 1: STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS FOR OPEN SPACE PLANNING

STRATEGY ACTIONS PLAN FOR GROWTH Ensure the quantity and distribution of open Priority 1: Optimise and extend capacity of existing open space: space in established urban areas better matches current and future population needs. • Adopt a place-based approach to establishing the needs of the community, prioritising areas of highest socio-economic needs. • Design more efficient reserve layout, clearly define spaces and plan for multi-use. Optimise open space for existing populations • Improve access to and between public open spaces at a local level to encourage more day to day incidental use of open space (e.g. linking paths where access is below optimal and significant and cycleways to parks that are on daily routes to transport, schools, work, shops etc.) growth is expected. • Integrate open space planning, design, urban design and community facility planning. • Address open space in its wider public realm expression to include streets, urban spaces, the natural environment and cultural spaces in the City (e.g. extending and linking existing natural corridors through parks and streets, allied to walking and cycling links).

Priority 2: Acquisition and Consolidation, addressing identified shortages and duplication of public open space:

• Identify locations for new parks where gaps exist in current network (i.e. residences well outside 500m from any open space) or for new growth areas. • Prioritise consolidation of open spaces to achieve larger more useable local reserves in areas currently serviced by under-sized reserves (i.e. those with extensive numbers of reserves under 0.3ha). • Prioritise the Aggregated Areas of Central, Central East, East 1 and East 2 for the next phases of the Open Space Reinvestment Strategy before growth starts to limit options. • Continue the Open Space Reinvestment Strategy in established urban areas with first focus on areas of socio-economic disadvantage.

Priority 3: Divestment to occur once duplication has been addressed by consolidation or reconfiguration.

• Prioritise reserves that do not and cannot meet basic recreation needs, once alternative open spaces or better connections have been put in place, utilizing Erskine Park Open Space Reinvestment Plan criteria.

24 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY STRATEGY ACTIONS Commence planning for preferred open space Minimum outcome performance measures for greenfield and infill development open space should be: network in undeveloped future greenfield growth areas (e.g South East) to ensure a Local Parks strategic approach to a sustainable open space • 80% of residents to have access to a local park within a safe walking 400m distance from their home, and 100% of residents within 500m of their network framed around natural values. homes. • Minimum size to be 0.5ha. • General rate of provision 1:2,500 pop. • 0.2ha/1,000 residents.

District Parks • 80% of residents have access within 800m safe walking distance from home, and 100% of residents within1500m of their homes. • Average size to be >5ha and minimum size 2ha. • 1:5,000 pop. 1ha/1,000 residents.

Sporting Space • 80% of residents have access to at least 2 formal sports spaces within 2km and must be accessible by public transport • Average size >10ha. • Minimum size 10ha. • 1:12,500 pop. 1.4ha/1,000 residents.

Linear Parks and other multi-use open space • 100% of residents have access within 800m of home. • Minimum 20m wide. • 1ha/1,000 residents.

Citywide Park • 100% can access and must be accessible by public transport. • Minimum size 20ha. • 1:20,000 pop. 1ha/1000 residents.

These are not exclusive outcomes and will not be the only approach used. Open space detailed planning and design will locate spaces and places that meet criteria for recreation opportunities and have capacity to accommodate expected demand.

Specific Tables for Low, Medium, High and infill development are seen in the tables on page 34. Open space within the City is to contribute to Engage with as many different government and community groups as possible in designing and planning green infrastructure projects, prioritising: the value and understanding of place • Early liaison with Department of Planning and Environment (DP&E) and Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) should focus on securing best open space land in Ropes and South Creek corridors before development. • Penrith Lakes Development Corporation (PLDC) at Penrith Lakes, Western Sydney University (WSU) at Kingswood and Werrington, National Parks Wildlife Service (NPWS) Wianamatta Park and the other Western Parkland City Councils on cross boundary connections. • The community and stakeholders in established urban areas, particularly Neighbourhood Renewal areas and the urban centres of Penrith, St Marys and Kingswood.

Revise and contemporise existing Plans of Management for Community Land.

25 STRATEGY ACTIONS PROMOTE ACCESS AND INCLUSION Improve community access to existing and Open space distribution to be: future public open space through provision of an • For a high density area >60 – 100 dwellings/ha, 2-3-minute walk/200m walking distance to local, district or regional park. integrated network of open space classified as • For a medium to low density neighbourhood 20-40 dwellings/ha, 5 mins walk/500m to local district or regional park. local, district and citywide Parks. • Workplaces and schools within 500m of open space. • 25-minute walk/2km to any district park. • up to 30-minute travel time/5-10km on public transport or by vehicle to regional open space. Open space is to be provided in the Open space sizes to be: appropriate size and shape to ensure • minimum size of a local park 0.5ha – 2ha that the capacity of that space meets and • minimum size of park in high density area to be 0.3 – 0.5ha accommodates a range of recreation activities • minimum size District Open Space 2-5ha and needs. • minimum size of City Wide Open Space >20ha Open space is to be provided and designed to Minimum outcome performance measures for different recreation types should be the following for: accommodate multi-use inclusive participation opportunities for different recreation types. Playgrounds • Within 5 minutes safe walking • Medium and low density within 400m for 80% of homes and within 500m for 100% of homes • For higher density, within 200m for 80% of homes and 300m for 100% of homes.

Youth Space (10-20 years) • Within 10 minutes safe walking and cycling • Access to at least one youth space within 800m for 80% of houses and within 1500m for 100% ideally within 500m of public transport stop.

Outdoor recreation facilities for passive enjoyment of outdoors and nature • Within five minutes safe walking • Medium and low density within 400m for 80% of homes and within 500m for 100% of homes. For higher density, within 300m for 80% of homes and 500m for 100% of homes.

Active recreation space (group based active recreation such as social sporting activity) • Within 15 minutes safe walking, or 10 minutes cycling – or less than 1500m walking distance.

Trail and path based recreation • Within 10 minutes safe walking or within 800m of 100% of houses. In high density areas multi-user path networks with linking access to extended trail or path opportunities within 500m should be considered.

Organised sport and recreation • Access to at least two of the following within 20 minutes safe walking or 15 minutes safe cycling or public transport: field sports, outdoor sports courts, indoor sports, aquatic sports.

26 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY STRATEGY ACTIONS Enhance open space connectivity through • Investigate open space investment that aligns with the Sydney Green Grid - West District Project Priority Opportunities List (2019). an integrated strategy that links recreational, • Establish or extend walking and cycling trails and corridors, especially river, creeks and bushland trails (as per Sydney’s Green Grid). cultural heritage and natural values. • Link natural corridors to minor road on-street connections where continuity of recreation corridors to key recreation destinations does not exist. • Map major missing links in riparian or other corridor trails identified as priority corridors and develop a priority implementation program. Priorities should include connections to the river along creek systems, and overcoming critical north-south barriers (e.g. along M4, Great Western Highway and Rail Corridor).

Prioritise open space corridor links:

• Missing links in corridors that would significantly extend open space access. • In areas with limited open space and high populations. • In already heavily used recreation corridors. • Where creating links would enhance natural values. • Where it overcomes major barriers (roads etc.) • Where establishing links would benefit children (e.g. off road paths to school, sports venues etc.). • Where it assists in developing longer routes to the City, particularly from East to West. • To major destinations e.g. District Open Space, town centers and major employment areas. • Glenmore Park, Mulgoa & Surveyors Creek. • Creating a series of destination parklands along the corridor between Penrith and Penrith Lakes. Promote the awareness and recognition of • Liaise with the Aboriginal community and the wider community to establish the means through which Aboriginal cultural heritage can best be Penrith’s Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal recognised within the City’s open spaces. This could include, but is not exclusive to: Heritage. • conservation of sites and potential sites. • interpretation through landscape design, planting, public art and performance in public open space. • participation in implementing works and managing landscapes with cultural associations. • education programs for local schools and the community.recognising and interpreting the City’s agricultural, industrial, social and river history within appropriate reserves and open spaces. • reflect local history in each suburb through specific responses in associated reserves. • Identify and categorise any open space with strong associations as such in the open space inventory settings. The Open Space network is to have quality • Integrate City Centre open space planning into the network of open space. public realm at the centre including squares, • Deliver City Park (Penrith) as a priority. plazas and active streets creating opportunities • Key civic spaces to be integrated with public transport opportunities and existing development with the focus to be Penrith, Kingswood, for social interaction. Werrington and St Marys. • South Creek and Ropes Creek to be developed as major open space recreation destinations to support the development in the Werrington, Kingswood and St Marys Precincts. • Explore opportunities to create incidental and organized open space activities via, pop up parks, use of roof tops/car parks, laneways and other urban spaces.

27 STRATEGY ACTIONS Community access to existing and future public • Review accessibility to all reserves by public transport. open space is to be improved through an • Ensure access and parking at reserves is efficient in circulation and adequate for needs, prioritising where public transport access is currently poor. integrated action plan that involves all modes • Design entries, circulation and parking to promote access and optimum used of space. of access. • Review and update the Council’s PATHS Strategy (cycling and walking plan) connecting opportunities to access open space and recreate within them e.g. new shared paths, cycle circuits. • Conduct healthy built environment audits for suburbs to identify opportunities for improved access to open space. • Integrate all parks and open space into a walking network for the city which links paths with attractors (shops, public transport, work, schools etc). • Improve pedestrian and cycle connections from areas of renewal around stations at Penrith, Kingswood, Werrington and St Marys with the open space network and the green corridors of South and Ropes Creek and the Penrith Health and Education Precinct. • Improve pedestrian and cycle connections across the M4, Great Western Highway and the Northern Road to facilitate access to major parks and open space. • Provide integrated access of all forms to Western Sydney University developments & proposed airport rail corridors. • Enhance access from Penrith City Centre to the Nepean River Foreshore and open space network. • Update access audits of all public open space across the LGA, focusing on key outcomes for parks and reserves including: Ease of access to park entries off streets, Provision of circuit paths that can be walked or wheeled, Ample seating with shade and shelter, Numbers and locations of accessible parking spaces, optimising inclusive play. • Prepare a Wayfinding Plan in keeping with the walking and cycling strategy with an emphasis on: • Off road routes which link key destinations; recreational circuits with distance and walking times identified; routes that can readily be undertaken by people with a disability; links between walking routes and public transport stops.

28 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY STRATEGY ACTIONS SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY A network of open space is provided that Continue with strategies to implement Council’s Cooling the City Strategy with the open space network including streets, river foreshores, creek provides green infrastructure for climate corridors, parks, sport facilities and play areas, in particular: adaptation and resilience. • Prioritise increasing canopy cover in priority hotspot areas across the City and where existing coverage is lower than 10%. • Investigate and support grants for projects that encourage shade and cooling strategies. • Develop an appropriate tree species list for urban heat mitigation and climate change resilience in Penrith. • Consider heat impacts on the community in the choice and provision of open space infrastructure. • Audit key parks of different classifications to determine where shade can be better provided and where drinking fountains are required. • A heat analysis is to be completed to inform any future stages of the Public Open Space Reinvestment Program and events in public open space are to be utilised to promote ‘Cooling the City’. • Participate in and promote National Tree Day and other tree planting initiatives, including the NSW Government’s 5 Million Trees project, and align with priority hotspot areas. • Increase available tree shade in both sports and play reserves. • Identify opportunities to include and showcase WSUD in Council projects and integrate WSUD into projects where possible. • Educate and engage with the community about the design of landscapes into the future and the benefits of open space and trees. • Adapt to flooding with use of natural systems management and minimal necessary built form. • Integrate best practice storm water management through water sensitive urban design techniques into all open spaces and reserve design, maximising green infrastructure assets. The natural geography of the Penrith LGA is • Complete the Scenic and Cultural Landscapes Study, including statements of significance for high value landscapes. to be integrated into the planning, design and • Review mapping and planning controls for land with scenic and landscape values to protect and enhance identified high value landscapes. management of open space. • Complete the Rural Lands and Villages Study. • Commission a biodiversity study that details areas of high conservation value. • Promote and integrate the natural environment as a core value of all open spaces no matter what the setting. • Capitalise, where possible, on natural ridges for walking, and potential off-road cycling routes maximizing district views. Maintenance of open space is to support • Review mowing regimes and water harvesting options to reduce unnecessary mowing of areas that may be better replanted and extended environmental sustainability. irrigation to enhance carrying capacity and amenity. • Integrate best practice stormwater management through water sensitive urban design techniques into reserve design, maximizing green infrastructure assets (vegetation, natural materials etc). Compliment, conserve, extend and promote • Collaborate with the Department of Planning and Environment on the preparation of the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan. the appreciation and enjoyment of bushland • Review mapping and planning controls for E2 Zones and Natural Resources Sensitive Land in Penrith LEP 2010 to ensure consistency with the throughout the Penrith LGA. Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan. • Incorporate bushland conservation, restoration and fabrication in all classifications of reserve as a key part of Council’s Open Space and Planning Guidelines. • Enhance native fauna habitat connectivity through extending the natural and recreational corridors enhancing bushland viability and diversity. • Identify locations for exotic species planting and species selection that does not compromise natural bushland values. • Identify selected streets for walking and cycling routes that provide continuous native tree canopy. • Develop and implement a communications plan to promote awareness and enjoyment of bushland. • Identify short, medium and long walks in all localities with priorities on circuits and routes that link to day-to-day destinations. • Increase community knowledge of its natural environment through targeted interpretation and wayfinding signage within reserves.

29 STRATEGY ACTIONS Continue to upgrade all river, and creek open • Prepare a Green Grid Strategy for the City to refine and prioritise the corridors and projects identified in the Western City District Plan for Penrith. spaces to enhance recreational and natural • Use the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan data to inform Green Grid Strategy for the City. systems connectivity. • Prepare masterplans for 3 priority corridors identified in the District Plan Green Grid and explore opportunity for funding through the Metropolitan Greenspace Program. • Investigate opportunities for Development Contributions to fund new open space to support Blue and Green Grid Development. • Optimise riparian vegetation along river foreshores and creek corridors (ensuring key views to creeks and rivers are identified and maintained). • Maintain or restore natural river banks and creek profiles wherever practicable. Encourage access to the water’s edge and recreation by and on the water. • Monitor and interpret water quality changes to increase the community value of natural waterways. • Conserve and promote the natural hydrology of the sub-catchments.

30 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY STRATEGY ACTIONS CREATE ECONOMIC BENEFITS Explore a range of opportunities for gaining • Focus on cost recovery or returns from leases, licenses and concessions; events; tourism (sports, nature, water based and heritage). economic return from public open space. • Review need for Public Open Reinvestment Program in the next 5 years. • Economic gains made from use of public open space to be returned for improvements or enhancements to the City’s open space network. • Plan open space provision and protection of natural assets to support growth of the City’s tourism industry and promote it as an ‘adventure capital’. • Prioritise the ongoing implementation of the ‘Our River Masterplan’.

STRATEGY ACTIONS MANAGE THE CITY’S ASSETS Improve the liveability of the City through the • Implement Open Space Planning and Design Guidelines for all existing and future open space in the city. Design guidelines, including: presentation and maintenance of open space, • Seating and shelter. and the quality and quantity of infrastructure • Toilets. provided. • Amenity and safety. • Microclimate. • Lighting. • Planting. • Art and interpretation. • Technology. • Engage with the community to establish service delivery standards. • Review facilities at and service standards for all parks as part of the above guidelines including numbers of buildings, duplication of facilities (especially play) and extent of mowing, application of irrigation etc. • Whole of life costs and maintenance standards to be considered in provision of upgraded and new infrastructure. • Effective management and service delivery standards to be developed and regularly reviewed through customer engagement and benchmark tools e.g. Yardstick, industry standards and guidelines. • New and existing planning proposals to integrate and include open space provision that meet quantity, policy and facility provision guidelines.

31 STRATEGY ACTIONS Assets are to be managed considering life cycle • Develop and implement a holistic management strategy for all open space with a focus on cost savings, cost recovery and new funding. costs. • Prioritise doing ‘simple things well’ versus major capital investment including e.g. provision of seats, shade (natural and manufactured), pathways, landscaping, and playground upgrades. • Capital investment to be prioritised at facilities that will support increased use and participation by the community. • Facility provision priorities must meet criteria of: • High functionality. • Multi use/purpose. • Value for money. • Ease of ongoing supply. • Adaptability to customisation. • Strong design aesthetic. • Facilitates cultural diversity. • Environmentally sensitive design. • Regularly cited in community satisfaction and importance surveys. • Ensure maintenance and service delivery programs meet core outcomes and are reviewed periodically. Maintenance and management of open space • Review and update all service levels that relate to management and maintenance of open space. provides an effective and efficient level of • Consider maintenance intensity levels relative to the setting type and park hierarchy. service. Develop a partnership strategy for ongoing • Identify stakeholders and establish partnerships including, but not exclusive to: engagement with a range of open space and • National Parks and Wildlife Services regarding natural and recreational corridor links to the Blue Mountains, and Wianamatta Regional Park. recreation stakeholders to extend the reach • Western Sydney, TAFE and Department of Education regarding access to facilities. and capacity of the open space network. • Adjoining Councils especially in relation to shared major recreational facilities and recreation trail and natural area links and corridors. • Department of Planning and Environment. • Road and rail authorities regarding walking, cycling, walking and public transport integration of parks. • Utilities authorities, in relation to recreational use of lands, planting in easements etc. • Work with major partners on open space delivery to agree critical integration into the existing open space network (e.g. PLDC at Penrith Lakes). Access to current technology in open space will • Contemporary technology is to be utilized in the operation, provision of information and communication, and activation of open space. broaden recreational value, extend information and enhance administration.

32 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY STRATEGY ACTIONS PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT Open Space Planning and Design Guidelines • Establish Open Space Planning and Design Guidelines that can be used to inform: will guide open space infrastructure provision • Masterplans or Plans of Management. and operations. • Service levels. • Co-ordination when reviewing acquisition, consolidation and rationalization strategies. • Open space requirements from development. • Liaison with other Government agencies. Contemporary Plans of Management and • Prioritise existing Plans and Masterplans and update. Masterplans will be in place • Identify priority parks for new Masterplans/Plans of Management. The open space inventory will remain current • Maintain mapping of all open space in GIS. and be reviewed through the life of the strategy.

33 A SUMMARY OF OPEN SPACE PROVISION RATES:

Greenfield Development (All forms of housing in Greenfield Areas) Infill Development – Medium Density (<60 dwellings/ha) OPEN SPACE TYPE MINIMUM RATE ACCESS FROM LAND SIZE OPEN SPACE TYPE MINIMUM RATE ACCESS FROM LAND SIZE HOMES HOMES LOCAL PARK 0.2ha/1000 pop 80% within 400m Min 0.5ha LOCAL PARK 0.2ha/1000 pop 100% within 400m of Min 0.5ha 100% within 500m local or district open space DISTRICT PARK 1ha/1000 pop 80% within 800m Min 2ha, Average >5 100% within 1.5km - 10 ha DISTRICT PARK 1ha/1000 pop 100% within 400m of Min 2 ha, Average local or district open >5 - 10ha SPORTING SPACE 1.4ha/1000 pop 80% access to 2 Min 10ha, Average space space within 2km >10ha SPORTING SPACE 1.4ha/1000 pop 80% access to 2 Min 10 ha, Average LINEAR PARK 1ha/1000 pop 100% within 800m Min 20m wide space within 2km >10 a CITYWIDE PARK 1ha/1000 pop 100% within public Min 20ha LINEAR PARK 1ha/1000 pop 100% within 800m Min 20m wide Transport CITYWIDE PARK 1ha/1000 pop 100% within public Min 20ha TOTAL 4.6ha/1000 pop Transport TOTAL 4.6ha/1000 pop

Infill Development – Low Density (<20 dwellings/ha) Infill Development – High Density (60-100 dwellings/ha) OPEN SPACE TYPE MINIMUM RATE ACCESS FROM LAND SIZE OPEN SPACE TYPE MINIMUM RATE ACCESS FROM LAND SIZE HOMES HOMES LOCAL PARK 0.2ha/1000 pop 100% within 400m of 0.5ha – 2ha LOCAL PARK 0.2ha/1000 pop 100% within 200m of 0.3 – 0.5ha local or district open local or district open space space DISTRICT PARK 1ha/1000 pop 100% within 400m of Min 2 ha, Average DISTRICT PARK 1ha/1000 pop 100% within 400m of Min 2ha, Average >5 local or district open >5 - 10ha local or district open - 1 ha space space SPORTING SPACE 1.4ha/1000 pop 80% access to 2 Min 10 ha, Average SPORTING SPACE 1.4ha/1000 pop 80% access to 2 Min 10ha, Average space within 2km >10ha space within 2km >10ha LINEAR PARK 1ha/1000 pop 100% within 800m Min 20m wide LINEAR PARK 1ha/1000 pop 100% within 800m Min 20m wide

CITYWIDE PARK 1ha/1000 pop 100% within public Min 20ha CITYWIDE PARK 1ha/1000 pop 100% within public Min 20 ha Transport Transport TOTAL 4.6ha/1000 pop TOTAL 4.6ha/1000 pop

34 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY PLAY

VISION

“A wide range of play opportunities which promote the social, physical and cognitive development of children; playspaces in Penrith will be recognised as unique, safe and innovative providing a diversity of opportunities across the network“

35 COUNCIL TOTAL PLAY SPACES PLAYSPACES PLAY POPULATION PER 000 HAWKESBURY 66,782 53 1260 PLAY IN PENRITH BLACKTOWN 348,138 295 1180 FAIRFIELD 207,022 216 958 Play has many benefits for children, families and the wider community LIVERPOOL 210,113 149 1410 as well as improving health and quality of life. Penrith City Council is committed to providing quality playspaces throughout the Penrith LGA CAMDEN 77,504 76 1020 to meet the demands of the current and projected population increases. CAMPBELLTOWN 161,998 86 1884 This will be achieved through the upgrade of existing playspaces, investment in new and exciting parks, provision of various forms of play MEAN (AVERAGE) 1,071,557 146 1225 and upgrades to shade, seating and access to suit the needs of residents PENRITH 209,210 153 1367 of all ages and abilities. There is no universally accepted ratio of playspace to population, but industry studies indicate a A summary assessment of playspace provision identifies that: distribution of 1 to between 1,000:2,000 is the norm. • There are currently 153 playspaces across the city. • In terms of benchmark figures and location, there is a good number Given some of areas of the City are classed as rural Council needs to consider at and distribution throughout the LGA, however there are some areas what ‘tipping’ point it would establish a playspace for any given community. In with clusters, and some gaps. smaller more rural areas, a tipping point of 500 people may be more appropriate • 74% of playspaces predominantly target 3-6 year olds, play facilities to ensure the community has access to a quality playspace. generally lack equipment for toddlers and for young people. • 55% of Penrith’s playspaces are under 10 years of age. Generally, play space • 57% of the community would like a spread of local play facilities infrastructure provision is of good quality and typical of play spaces that offering a range of experiences, followed by larger but less are classified as local play spaces and higher. Classifications of playspace in playspaces (23%), and 20% stating that they want smaller playspaces Penrith currently includes neighbourhood, local, district and regional and a closer to home. new hierarchy of classification is required. • Benchmarking the provision of playspaces with our neighbouring • Further to the Strategy playspace audit, an independent asset condition Councils found that the mean (average) number of playspace is 1 audit has been completed. While there is a good supply of playspaces, a for every 1,225 people. The Penrith LGA was slightly lower in its number of access, shade and infrastructure deficiencies exist. provision of playspaces with 1 for every 1,367 people. • 55% of the playspaces require improvements to shade • 34% of the playspaces require improvements to access • 57% of the playspaces require improvements to furniture & landscape amenity • 30% of existing playspaces are a high priority for replacement • 5% of existing playspaces are to be removed and not replaced.

36 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY • The community identified priorities for playspaces as; shelter/shade, toilets nearby, good maintenance, variety of equipment, fenced or PLANNING FRAMEWORKS away from roads, caters for people with disabilities, interesting and challenging play is provided, and feeling safe. AND GUIDELINES • Continuing to adopt place-based approaches engagement will allow play space design and facility infrastructure provision that continues to meets the needs of the local community. Playspaces are generally not named or themed and, in some instances, signage is completely NSW GOVERNMENT – lacking or inconsistent in messaging. ‘EVERYONE CAN PLAY’ • There is opportunity to integrate a greater diversity of type and The launch of the NSW Government’s ‘Everyone Can Play’ guidelines has scale of play, facilities for all ages and abilities, into the park system. set the framework and principles which will underpin the future provision The development of a ‘playspace development model’ which of new playspaces, and the renewal of existing playspaces across the incorporates play equipment, imaginative and creative areas, Penrith Local Government Area. unstructured areas, adult family areas, and special features will assist in realising this. The three principles of Everyone Can Play encourage thought about • The current level of investment allocated to renewing and providing creating more inclusive playspaces across NSW. new facilities needs to be reviewed and increased. The three principles are: • Playspaces in some new release housing areas are unique and bespoke, while it should be encouraged, Council needs to work with Can I get there? Consider location, layout, signage, wayfinding and Developers to ensure the spread of provision is addressed, and it has accessibility to ensure everyone can find their way to, in and around the the capacity to manage and maintain it when the asset is transferred playspace. to Council ownership. • Water play is being introduced in the City, future provision should Can I play? The play experience, including the equipment and be more strategic and associated with a ‘district’ level classification surfacing, should allow everyone to experience a variety of challenging of park, with consideration of operational, maintenance and renewal and engaging play opportunities in a way that suits them. costs. Can I stay? Consider safety, facilities, landscape and the wider environment to ensure everyone can stay at the playspace for as long as they would like.

Playspaces are to be considered as the area within a park with playground equipment and any immediately supporting amenities such as (but not exclusive to) toilets, car parking, bike paths, picnic facilities, furniture and open space and landscape areas.

At the heart of ‘Everyone Can Play’ is the declaration that play really is for everyone, regardless of age, ability or cultural background. Playspaces in the Penrith LGA should therefore exist at the heart of our

37 neighbourhoods and cater for everyone – young and old, families and carers, and people of all abilities. Playspaces should also be inclusive and create opportunities for adventure, discovery, refuge (quiet places) relationship building and memory making, and allow everyone to stay as long as they choose.

Playspaces are to be designed to bring people together and be welcoming and comfortable, easy to navigate and interesting, and offer a range of physical challenges as well as a variety of landscape settings to explore.

Playspaces should offer a diverse variety of play experience at accessible locations, creating a connected network across the Penrith Local Government Area where everyone is able to engage and play together in environments which challenge,and excite while promoting active, healthy lifestyles.

38 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY Other concepts can include spaces for quiet activities such as reading, PLAYSPACE TRENDS AND contemplation and nature observation of complex spaces or structures, PRINCIPLES which challenge the user’s perceptual skills. • Social Play - can be found both by using existing physical equipment and Traditional playspace equipment by way of slide, swings, and rockers, through learning and exploring with friends in the natural environment. while still important, are today being considered as only one component Whilst the latter have not been traditionally provided for in the public of the play spectrum. Other design elements are being introduced domain, Councils are beginning to design playspaces through appropriate including the use of natural elements (nature play), creative landscaping, landscaping including sand, water, plants, trees and sculptures etc. to and additional features that promote a sense of belonging and place to enhance natural play. Some small-group activities such as Hopscotch, some a park. ball games and the traditional rhyming and running games require small Playspaces are also considered not only as areas for children, but also spaces, changes in level, possibly firm surfaces, semi-enclosure, objects as the whole family and therefore now include aspects for adults and carers targets and focal points, and durable planting or other elements, which may such as barbeques, shade and shelter, and end of trip facilities such be used in the course of a game. as water, bike racks, paths and trails, car parks and in some instances, • Physical Play - is also often referred to as gross motor activity and can fencing to offer a sense of security for children or families in larger parks include running, hanging, climbing, experiencing height, agility/gymnastic or near to main roads and traffic. activities, sliding, jumping, balancing, swinging, crawling, bouncing, spinning, rocking, ball games, skipping etc. These activities are generally Play standards have also developed with equipment now designed more ‘active’ and therefore adequate space is required in a suitable to include adult and child use and weight bearing to enable social environment where other users will not be disturbed. Some of these activities interaction and play . are well provided for by traditional play equipment although others are more dependent upon the size and particular qualities of spaces or other From a planning perspective, the notion of playspaces being developed elements. in areas where young families are prevalent is now an outdated planning method as the need of the child and the demographics will change in relative short periods of time (2-3 years), whereas a playspace as an asset Given the broad categories of play theory, playspaces in Penrith need to be may last in excess of 20 years. designed to meet a number of community requirements and experiences and Modern planning for playspaces are therefore now based on an even must target different users. including: distribution of facilities to ensure inclusivity for all. It also considers the • Toddlers (ages 1-3) - Simple settings and small scaled and detailed playspace hierarchy and design and distribution each offering their own environments with friendly surfaces and a familiar adult close by. unique experiences including: • Juniors (ages 3-6) - The ages from three to six years cover a wide range of • Cognitive Play - includes those activities that challenge the development in children. Co-ordination and physical skill development are intellect of the child and can include games of strategy, exploration, relatively proficient by the age of 5 years and children of this age need to observation or those that use and develop language. Council practice and hone skills such as climbing, running, agility skills, skipping and playgrounds can develop cognitive behaviour through natural ball play. areas for exploration and observation of living things; spaces and • Seniors (ages 6-12) - Older children may use play equipment as incidental materials for outdoor games such as Hopscotch and Hide and props in their group games. Play structures may be used as part of obstacle Seek and materials and tools for use in sand and water settings.

39 courses, chasing and hiding games, as a lookout or a refuge, as a meeting and socialising place for after school activities or as a ‘base’ FUTURE PLAYSPACE STRATEGY AND for group activities. ACTIONS • Teenagers (ages 13 +) - Areas for ‘play’ for teenagers needs to be carefully managed and monitored. While it is acknowledged young The strategies, recommendations and actions for play have been developed people will use open space for several uses including skateboarding, after a full assessment of current provision, challenges, and future directions, bike riding, unstructured sport or just ‘hanging out’ with friends etc., including: the location areas need to be carefully managed to avoid potential • Quantity and Distribution conflicts of use with younger children and their carers while ensuring • Planning Frameworks and Guidelines a sense of ownership by the young people. • Playspace Trends and Principles • Adults - Adults should not be excluded from using playgrounds, and equipment needs to be designed and developed for use by this group, i.e. the provision of swing seats and rockers designed for use As a result, the key Strategies for future playspace provision, which should be by adults is a way of encouraging adults to use park facilities with read in conjunction with the Open Space Strategy and action plans, are listed in their children. table 2 (Below). • Inclusive - Inclusion considers as many needs as possible. They The key strategies are: provide a welcoming place where people feel comfortable yet challenged, and remove obstacles and barriers that prevent people • Opportunities are provided for everyone to enjoy a playspace in the City. of all ages, cultural backgrounds and abilities (both physical and • Playspaces will be recognised as contemporary, unique, safe and innovative mental) from participating. and provide a diverse range of play opportunities across the City. • Funding for play reflects the need to provide contemporary, fit for purpose, fit for future facilities. • New development and infill sites provide play opportunities in the appropriate quantity and scale, and to an appropriate specification. • A strategic asset management plan will guide replacement and renewal of playspaces. • Opportunities to extend the playspace network with other partners are maximised. • Play facilities are provided to meet current and future gaps in provision.

A new hierarchy and classification of playspace, and design guidelines will guide future investment. The hierarchy Local, District and Citywide, as well as design guidelines, are to be introduced and defined as follows:

40 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY Local Playspace: $120,000 - $250,000 (value estimate) Citywide Playspace: $1,000,000 - $5m + (value estimate)

Services homes within close walking distance. Local playspace, Larger parks, more prominent then District play, variety, located should ideally be located within 500m for all residents, offer a range alongside other infrastructure e.g. sportsgrounds, and with additional of opportunity for 4-12years but also include equipment for toddlers, components including those of bespoke design. Promotes longer stays include 5 pieces plus of equipment, and offer a level of imaginative and than District play and will attract local and citywide visitors. This may be non-structured play areas. in the form of an adventure playground, water park or unique aspect such as additional space for larger community events such as concerts. District Playspace: $250,000 - $1,000,000 (value estimate)

Larger parks, more prominent then local play, variety, located alongside other infrastructure e.g. sportsgrounds and serve a wider catchment than local parks. Promotes longer stays than local play and should include play equipment for all age groups, imaginative/creative play, non- structured play area, adult/carer area.

41 TABLE 2: STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS

STRATEGY ACTIONS Opportunities are provided for everyone in the • NSW Government Everyone Can Play Guidelines to be utilised in play facility design adopting its principles of: community to enjoy a playspace. • Can I get there? - A considered location and layout, adequate signage and wayfinding and accessibility will ensure everyone can find their way to, in and around a playspace. Playspaces will be recognised as contemporary, • Can I play? - The experience as a whole, including equipment and surfacing should enable everyone to experience a variety of challenging and unique, safe and innovative. engaging play opportunities in a way that suits them. • Can I stay? - Sufficient consideration of safety, amenities and the wider environment and landscape will ensure everyone can stay at the playspace as long as they like. • Playspaces are to be developed in accordance with national standards that guide their construction and installation, and Council’s playspace guidelines. • Each Aggregated Area should have at least one District playspace and there should be at least two Citywide playspaces in the Local Government area.

The following playspaces are to be classified as District facilities and the provision (including new parks), development or level of embellishment to be provided in accordance with this classification.

Tench Reserve, Londonderry Park, Londonderry; Nereid & Borrowdale Way Reserve, Cranebrook; Water Gum Park, Jordan Springs; Illoura Reserve, Jordan Springs; The Lake Ship, Jordan Springs; Parker Street Reserve, Penrith; Clissold Park, Emu Heights; Lions Park (Dukes Oval), Emu Plains; Tench Reserve North, Jamisontown; Thornton Oval, Thornton; Chapman Gardens, Kingswood; Myrtle Road Reserve, Claremont Meadows; Parkes Avenue Reserve, Werrington; Roger Nethercote Reserve, Caddens; Robin Wiles Park, North St. Marys; Victoria Park, St Marys; Barr & Bass Street Reserve, Colyton; Pacific and Phoenix Reserve, Erskine Park; Chameleon Reserve, Erskine Park; Mark Leece Oval, St Clair; Ched Towns Reserve, Glenmore Park; Mulgoa Rise Sportsgrounds, Mulgoa Rise; Mulgoa Park, Mulgoa; Sales Park, Luddenham; Werrington Lakes, Werrington.

Citywide playspaces are to be provided at Regatta Park, Gipps Street (Claremont Meadows), Jordan Springs East, Penrith Lakes and in an area nominated in the South East Aggregated Area.

• Design and ancillary features will be provided in line with classification and playspace design guidelines as outlined in Table 2 below. • Design will incorporate an appropriate theme, offer a diverse range of activities throughout the network including nature play, and have appropriate signage installed at the playspace. • Fencing will be considered for District level playspaces, and will be installed where there are obvious physical dangers to children or other park users. • A priority program of shade provision is to be developed for playspaces across the City • Loose fill (bark mulch/woodchips etc.) and soft fall are to be used as surfaces and use will be determined dependent on budget, aesthetics, playspace type, safety and adhering to national standards. Funding for play reflects the need to provide • Future capital works and asset renewal budgets should consider, as a guideline, the following budget provisions (to be increased by CPI annually) contemporary fit for purpose and fit for future for replacing, embellishing and providing playspaces for each classification. facilities. • Local Playspace – $120,000 - $250,000 (estimate) • District Playspace - $250,000 - $1,000,000 (estimate) • Citywide Playspace - $1m - $5m + (estimate)

42 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY STRATEGY ACTIONS Opportunities to extend the playspace network • New play facility provision is to be considered at the following locations (excluding planned new release and existing master planned sites which are maximised. should be provided to open space guidelines) East end of Stafford Street, Penrith; Penrith CBD; Manning Street, Kingswood; Greenbank Drive & Oakland Parade, Werrington Downs; Hunt Place / Chisholm Reserve, Werrington; Poole Street, Werrington; Monfarville Street Sportsgrounds, St Marys (District); Arundel Park Drive Reserve, St Clair; Strauss Road Reserve, St Clair; Wentworth Road, Orchard, Hills; Rotary Park, Glenmore Park (District); Leonay Oval Sportsground, Leonay; Deloraine Drive, Leonay; Soling Crescent, Cranebrook. • Opportunities to extend the play facility network will be investigated seeking access, as examples, school play facilities. New development and infill sites will provide • Council will work collaboratively with developers to ensure identified playspace provision meets open space guidelines. play opportunities in the appropriate quantity, • Appropriate playspace classifications will be determined to avoid duplication. scale and specification. • Design is to be managed in a manner that offers a unique experience that meet community need but is within Council’s resources to maintain and renew, and does not compromise service levels of other playspaces in the City. A strategic asset management plan will guide • Unless identified as a strategic priority in an area of under supply, the management of existing playspaces will take precedence over developing renewal, replacement and maintenance of new playspaces. playspaces. • Priority development will be given to those areas where a gap has been identified and those with aging infrastructure, with playspaces 15-20 years old prioritised first. • Play equipment 10-15 years old, will be monitored and considered for removal or replacement in 5 years, and those under 10 years will receive no action other than potential enhancement for shade provision or to meet an identified gap in classification. Playspace provision will remain contemporary • Council will undertake community engagement, research and monitor its playspaces to ensure they continue to meet current and future needs. and safe to use. • A place based approach to playspace design is to be adopted with engagement with residents to understand needs, priorities and expectations when renewing existing or developing new play facilities. • Council will conduct regular playspace inspection audits and use benchmarking and mapping tools to assess ongoing condition and provision of playspaces.

43 PLAYSPACE DESIGN GUIDELINES

LOCAL PLAYSPACE DISTRICT PLAYSPACE CITYWIDE PLAYSPACE ACCESS AND INCLUSION Provides access to a choice of play and social District playspaces to provide a higher level of Citywide parks to provide a very high level of opportunities in parks. accessibility and social features than local parks. accessibility to features including to a wide choice of play activities. SHARED PATH SYSTEM Wheelchair accessible path is required linking shade, Wheelchair accessible shared path is required linking Wheelchair accessible shared path is required linking seating and play facilities to local paths. shade, seating and play facilities to local paths. shade, seating and play facilities to local paths. SEATS AND TABLES Seating Required. Tables preferred and to be Required. Configuration of furniture needs to A range of inclusive seating styles and picnic inclusive. encourage inclusive interaction. furniture required to encourage inclusive interaction. SHADE/SHELTER Combination of natural shade and built shade Combination of natural shade and built shade Combination of natural shade and built shade required. required. required. DRINKING WATER Preferred Required; to meet accessibility standards. Required to meet accessibility standards.

RUBBISH BINS Desirable Required Required

BARBEQUES Not required Negotiable Required to meet accessibility standards.

TOILETS Not required Negotiable, should meet wheel chair accessibility. Required fully accessible toilets.

CAR PARKING Not required Desirable Required

CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE Desirable Required Required

LANDSCAPING Minor vegetation landscape enhancements are Incorporated landscape vegetation into playspace Nature play and natural vegetation incorporated desirable design, to assist in adventure and nature play throughout playspace and reserve. Added elements. vegetation to support amenities. SIGNAGE Park name required Park name and wayfinding signage required. Park name and wayfinding signage required.

FENCES Negotiable, dependant on risk assessment Negotiable, dependant on risk assessment. Negotiable, dependant on risk assessment.

WATER PLAY Not required. Desirable, where possible. Required.

44 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY LOCAL PLAYSPACE TYPICAL CONCEPT PLAN & ELEMENTS

1. SHADE AND SHELTER: 2. PLAY SPACE: Combination of built shade and natural shade required Should provide access to a choice of play and social opportunties, may include traditional and nature play.

3. PATH SYSTEM: 4. FENCES: Wheelchair accessible path is desirable Requirement for and type of fencing is linking shade, seating and play faciltiies negotiable, dependent on risk assessment to local paths

Park name

Play Seating

Natural 5. FURNITURE: 6. SIGNAGE Built Shade shade Path connections

Park entry signs are desirable, may provide a public artwork opportunity. Park Seats with back name & armrests are required ADDITIONALLY: • Accessible picnic tables and drinking Stone block “seats” that fountains are preferred. LOCAL PLAYSPACE: DEFINITION AND FUNCTION double as play are an • Rubbish bins and bike racks are Services homes within close walking distance. Typically, local playspaces help make up a lack of additional option desirable. pivate open space and should ideally be located within 500m.

45 DISTRICT PLAYSPACE TYPICAL CONCEPT PLAN & ELEMENTS

SHADE AND SHELTER: PLAY SPACE: Combination of built shade and natural shade required Should provide higher level of accessibility and social features than local parks. May include traditional and nature play with incorporated landscape vegetation

PATH SYSTEM: FURNITURE: Wheelchair accessible path is desirable linking shade, seating and play faciltiies to local paths. Bike infrastructure is required.

Seats with back accessible picnic & armrests are setting are required required

accessible drinking Bike racks are required fountains are required Rubbish bins are required

SIGNAGE

DISTRICT PLAYSPACE: DEFINITION AND FUNCTION Larger parks, more prominent than local play, variety, located alongside other infrastructure eg: sportsgrounds. Promotes longer stays than local play. Located within Park entry signs and wayfinding each aggregate area. signage are required.

46 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY CITYWIDE OPEN SPACE TYPICAL CONCEPT PLAN & ELEMENTS

PLAY SPACE: Should provide a very high level of accessibility to features including to a wide choice of play activities. Water play is required. FURNITURE:

Seats with back accessible drinking & armrests are fountains are required required

PATH SYSTEM: Wheelchair accessible path is desirable linking shade, seating and play faciltiies to local paths Accessible BBQ’s are required

Fully accessible toilets are required

SIGNAGE:

1. SHADE AND SHELTER: Combination of built shade and natural shade required

Park entry signs and wayfinding Regional Playspace: Definition and Function signage are required. A destination playspace offering special play opportunities. Playspaces form part of a larger precinct including both passive and active recreation facilities. Catchment may extend into other government areas. Encourage extended stay.

47 48 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY SPORT & RECREATION

VISION

“Penrith will be acknowledged for its diverse range of affordable, accessible and inclusive sporting and recreation opportunities, provided in quality environments by well managed clubs and associations. Quality experiences, events and opportunities will also support regional tourism as a key contributor to the City’s economy.“

49 • There is a mix of sports where existing sportsground provision will meet SPORT AND RECREATION current and future needs, and others where there are shortages of field space identified through application of participation benchmarks. • To accommodate existing and future population growth benchmark figures SPORT IN PENRITH indicate that an additional 84 hectares of active open space will be required by 2036 to accommodate an estimated additional 48 sports fields. This figure The provision of sporting programs throughout Penrith is both extensive could increase by 50-60 hectares’ dependent on future transport and other and diverse. Penrith boasts an environment where traditional sports as infrastructure development. well as those less common are played which is a testament to the City’s • 62% of clubs indicate that membership is growing, with only 10% indicating a love for sport. As the demographic structure of the City changes, so will decline. the demands and our sporting community and we adapt to ensure long- term relevance and sustainability. • 70% of clubs expect further growth in the next five years, with the majority perceiving the need for more playing fields in the future and approximately Council currently has approximately 420ha playing sports surfaces half indicating a willingness to share facilities. and supporting infrastructure across Penrith. In terms of indoor sport, • Major areas for concern of clubs are the quality of playing surfaces and the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre provides 6 indoor sports courts availability of storage, disabled access, seating for players and spectators, for multiple sports and events, and St Clair Leisure Centre provides an unisex changing facilities and shade. additional single court. There are also 2 Council owned aquatic centres. • Improvements to infrastructure are required to increase capacity of sites, To determine an appropriate level of provision for sports facilities across attract participation (particularly females), and attract and sustain higher the City, the strategy has considered a number of factors, including; levels of competition and events. • The majority of state organisations, associations and clubs do not have a • Trends in sports. prioritised facility plan. • Participation figures. • Club governance could be improved with over 77% of clubs not having a • Existing supply and demand of surfaces. strategic or operational plan. • Projected population shifts, • Financial sustainability needs be addressed with most groups relying heavily • Benchmarks are based on provision of surfaces / courts / facilities per on Government (all levels) for their sustainability and facility development. 1,000 population from national benchmarks. Council has applied the • 80% of organisations believe volunteers are not skilled enough to support open space benchmark of 1.4ha/1000 persons. their organisations, and skills are lost with changes in committee. • Historic performance and future strategic aspirations of local and • In terms of participation 98% of the community surveyed indicated that they state sporting organisations relative to Penrith. had visited a sport, recreation, play and open space facility in the last year, • Assessment of future requirements and strategies in each with the majority of people using sportsgrounds doing so twice a week. Aggregated Area. • Generally speaking, Penrith has a low provision of public indoor recreation A summary assessment of current sport in the City identifies that: centres but does have a good supply of private health and fitness centres. • There is a large gap in indoor sport provision with benchmark figures • While there is 420ha of space within which sport can take place, the indicating an immediate shortage of 4 courts and a further 10 court facility capacity of these spaces is limited by poor topography, drainage required to accommodate future population growth. issues, easements, inefficient placement of fields, and management practices.

50 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY • Penrith’s aquatic centres have existing masterplans. A separate study is required the viability of providing an additional aquatic centre in SPORT STRATEGIC the LGA dependent on the rate of population growth. • There is the opportunity to expand sports tourism in the City through FRAMEWORK infrastructure improvements and maximising potential of existing facilities in the City. SPORT AUSTRALIA 2030 – NATIONAL SPORT PLAN The Australian Government has a clear and bold vision for sport in Australia — to ensure we are the world’s most active and healthy nation, known for our integrity and sporting success. Sport 2030 has four key priority areas which will, when fully implemented, create a platform for sporting success through to 2030 and beyond. The priorities are:

• Build a more active Australia — More Australians, more active, more often; • Achieving sporting excellence — National pride, inspiration and motivation through international sporting success; • Safeguarding the integrity of sport — A fair, safe and strong sport sector free from corruption; and • Strengthening Australia’s sport industry — A thriving Australian sport and recreation industry.

NSW GOVERNMENT STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT The recommendations will support the realisation of strategic and infrastructure plans including; Western City District Planning Priorities particularly W3: providing services and social infrastructure to meet people’s changing needs, W4: Fostering healthy, creative, culturally rich and socially connected communities, W6: Creating and renewing great places and local centres, and respecting the District’s heritage, W18: Delivering high quality open space.

51 The Strategy’s recommendations align with Office of Sport’s strategic Council already provides a number of free recreation-based facilities and, for the priority for 2016-2020 and fund objectives to provide high quality purpose of this study, those of a more ‘obvious’ nature have been identified in environmentally sustainable facilities, that remove barriers to sport and each Aggregated Area. These are however not exhaustive of all opportunities increase participation in sport and active recreation. as many providers and community/recreation groups currently deliver quality services and opportunities such as dance, theatre, the arts, vocational interests The strategy aligns with the NSW Government’s strategy ‘Her Sport Her and other opportunities that encourage social interaction and combat potential Way’ to shape the future of women’s sport in NSW. mental health issues. The value of recreation acknowledged and supported by Council who will actively target and work with not for profit organisations that This strategy also aligns with other key focuses of the state such as: offer quality opportunities to the community. tackling Childhood Obesity Delivery Program (assist in reaching the premiers target to reduce the rate of overweight and obesity in NSW A summary assessment of current sport in the City identifies that: children by 5%) and reducing barriers to participation. Recreation trends indicate: The strategy recommendations are aimed at delivering improved liveability, providing communities quicker and easier access to quality • Council acknowledges the positive benefits participation in recreation brings inclusive facilities and offering a diversity of activities. to the community and actively supports provision and not for profit agencies that provide low or no cost opportunities to the community. • Current recreation facilities renewal and capital improvements in the city are under resourced. RECREATION IN PENRITH • The community is increasingly participating in recreation activities to get fit. Recreation has been separated from sport due to its intrinsic value or • Lifestyle, adventure and alternative recreational activity are rising in in other words, undertaking an activity solely for the pleasure it brings. popularity. Recent increased trends in outdoor recreation and commercial Recreation can be active or passive, structured or unstructured and groups i.e. kayak tours, SUP hire. in the context of this report, undertaken in the public setting whilst acknowledging people also recreate in their own homes or with local Social recreation is an emerging trend, particular unstructured activities rather not for profit organisations and clubs. A number of opportunities can than formal organised sport. Activities include but are not limited to: therefore become available to the participant and Council’s approach will be to support current provision and cater for future and emerging • Walking/running for fitness recreational and leisure pursuits. Council will focus on the co-delivery of • Cycling (BMX, road, mountain bike, cyclocross) recreation through both public and private initiatives. • Skate and ccooter (use of in public areas) While ensuring a focus on inclusive opportunities in recreation, Council • Motorcross will also ensure specific groups are catered for, such as; youth, older • Rock climbing adults, diverse population groups, people of all abilities, those from • Parkour culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the unemployed and other minority groups that may otherwise be restricted from participating • Dog walking (off leash/on leash) and dog parks in and benefiting from recreation opportunities and the benefits they • Fitness outdoors and indoors (gym/boot camp/crossfit/yoga/pilates/thai chi) bring to the individual. • Kayaking/canoeing • Fishing

52 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY Mixed Recreation park gaps are currently evident in the FITNESS DOG PARKS MIXED RECREATION Rural North, South East, South West and East 2 Aggregated EQUIPMENT RECREATION COURTS Areas. Youth recreation needs to be accommodated with SPACES & MULTI-SPORT infrastructure integrated with other activities and play rather – SKATE, COURTS than standalone. SCOOTER & BMX Current mixed recreation infrastructure is limited in capacity Jamison Park, Jamison Park, South Jamison Park, South Jamison Park, South e.g skate parks are currently unlit. South Penrith Penrith Penrith Penrith Council provides a number of formalised and informal (Fenced) dog parks, with future provision requiring more strategic Glenmore Loch, Windmill Dog Park, Ched Towns Oval, Glenmore Park placement. Glenmore Park Glenmore Park Glenmore Park Neighbourhood (Fenced) Centre, Glenmore Park Walking and cycling is identified as the most popular form of Blue Hills Community Emu Heights Off Leash Shaw Park, Cambridge Mulgoa Park, Mulgoa recreation with increasing demands for walking and cycling Centre, Dog Park, Emu Heights Park tracks and better lighting of these. Glenmore Park Spaces are required for diverse groups and need to be Glenmore Ridge Loop, St Clair Dog Park, St. Monfarville Reserve, St. Parkes Avenue, inclusive. Glenmore Ridge Clair Marys Werrington Placemaking is important to the planning, designing and (Fenced) management of recreation areas. Ron Mulock Oval, Soling Crescent Dog Cranebrook Skate Park, Rance Oval, Penrith Park, Cranebrook Cranebrook Werrington Village Oval, Village Oval, Bennett Road, Sherringham Reserve, Jordan Springs Jordan Springs St. Clair Cranebrook (Fenced) Nereid & Borrowdale Victoria Rd, Werrington Penrith BMX Club - Maxwell Street, South Park, Cranebrook Blair Oval, Penrith St. Marys Werrington Lakes, Boronia Reserve, North Dukes Oval, Werrington St. Marys Emu Plains Kevin Maley Park, Claremont Meadows. Poplar Park, Colyton St. Marys James Erskine Drive, St. Marys Tennis Erskine Park Centre, St. Marys Myrtle Road, Northern Rd Oval, Claremont Meadows Jordan Springs Robin Wiles Park, Londonderry Oval, North St. Marys Londonderry Denver Road Reserve, Bowood Drive, Mount St. Clair Vernon

53 Penrith is also home to many adventure-based sports & recreation facilities such SPORT AND RECREATION as, but not limited to:

TOURISM • Penrith Whitewater Stadium Penrith is extremely well placed to service regional, national and • Indoor Skydiving international sports tourism markets. Sports tourism provides • Sky Peak Adventures opportunities for increased sport and recreation benefits which have • JetPack adventures the potential to be long-term and far-reaching. Direct economic benefits through sports tourism are obvious and well-known • Cables Water Park. however, further leverage can create long-lasting economic and The high concentration of extreme and adventure sports facilities in Penrith social impacts. is a reflection of the market demand for such activities. Furthermore, the continual support and development of these facilities in Penrith will be a major Sport events have the potential to increase personal and community driving factor of Penrith becoming known for adventure sport opportunities wellbeing regardless of resident involvement. Sports tourism and in the region and nationally. This may have occurred organically however, the events along with Council’s ‘Sustainable Events’ policy also ensures effectiveness of long-term legacy planning of these and other similar facilities natural resources are managed, preserved and utilised. will determine the reach and overall value of this portion of sports tourism as an Development of the Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek economic sector. opens the world to a global market and Council must ensure it is In terms of the current status of sports tourism; ready and able to service national and global sport tourism markets. This analysis focuses heavily on commercial engagement with • Sports tourism would benefit from the development of sports tourism sports tourists and events as commercial engagement and service strategy. provision is a large determinant for secondary benefits; personal and • Development and maintenance of sport and recreation assets and facilities is community wellbeing through increased services and sport tourist required. experience, and environmental benefits through increased natural • Commercial/business engagement in this area is limited and there is scope resource management and preservation investment. for improvement and better connections. A number of key sporting events and many peak bodies view Penrith as an attractive location for large sport events if facility upgrades and improvements are made to address current shortfalls.

Social recreation is an emerging trend, particular unstructured activities rather than formal organised sport, including events such as Ironman, Tough Mudder, Parkrun. Activities.

54 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY FUTURE SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS The strategies, recommendations and actions in this document have been developed after a full assessment of;

• Current provision • Participation trends • Facility benchmarking • Key strategy frameworks • Identified challenges and future directions.

KEY STRATEGY SUMMARY • An appropriate amount and quality of open space is provided to accommodate sport and recreation facilities. • The design, configuration and location of sport and recreation facilities will ensure capacity and participation opportunities are maximised. • Sportsground surfaces, buildings and associated infrastructure sustain the usage demand and are fit for purpose/fit for future. • Sports/recreation clubs and associations are provided with support to enable good governance, sustainable operations, and facility planning and development. • Indoor Sports Facilities and Aquatic Centres meet the needs of the community. • Unstructured recreation spaces and activities will be provided to accommodate changing trends in participation. • Sport and recreation continues to support tourism strategies for the City.

55 TABLE 3: FUTURE SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS STRATEGY ACTIONS An appropriate amount and quality of open • Increase the capacity of use at existing venues through the provision and upgrade of infrastructure including amenity buildings, floodlighting, space is provided to accommodate sport and irrigation and turf renovations, and ensuring dual winter/summer season use. recreation facilities. • Realise the development/construction of facilities in existing Developer Contributions plans and Council endorsed masterplans, including; • The Kingsway • St Marys Release Area Regional Open Space - Central Precinct, Jordan Springs East • Gipps Street • WELL Precinct • Orchard Hills North • Glenmore Park/Mulgoa Rise • Western Sydney University • Ensure the development of sites within new release areas provide a minimum of 1.4ha/1,000 persons of active open space. • Ensure the development of new sport & recreation facilities are not located within existing flood ways and drainage channels. • Negotiate and engage with other owners of open space to extend open space network for sport facility provision e.g. This may include but not be exclusive to; NSW Department of Education, Department of Planning and Environment, Department of Lands, NSW Office of Sport, Western Sydney University and Sydney Water. • Acquire land to compensate for any sportsground facilities and open space lost through future development of transport corridors and any other infrastructure development. • Increase the capacity of use at existing venues through the assessment and amendment of historical and inefficient management practices. • Work with State Sporting Organisations and Local Associations to develop prioritized Facility Plans. The design, configuration and location of sport • Masterplans are to be developed for, and completed at: and recreation facilities will ensure capacity and • Werrington Sports Hub, Werrington including - Shaw Park, Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre, Werrington Lakes and Harold Corr Oval participation opportunities are maximised. • Chapman Gardens, Kingswood • Jamison Park, Penrith • South and Ropes Creek Corridor (as part of Sydney Green Grid Planning) • Monfarville Reserve, St Marys • Peppertree Reserve, Erskine Park • St Clair Sports Lane Corridor (Luke’s Lane, St Clair) • North Penrith Sporting Precinct including; Andrews Road Reserve (Baseball and Rugby Park) and Hickeys Lane Reserve, Penrith. • Boronia Park, North St Marys • South Creek Sporting Precinct, Werrington including; Kingsway North and South Playing Fields, Blair Oval, Penrith BMX, St Marys Tennis Court Complex, Sports fields (subject to proposed future transport corridor). • Future new facilities to be developed as District hubs (Precincts) providing multipurpose facilities for sport and community purpose accessibly by the whole community. Where possible, the minimum size of new sportsgrounds will be 10 ha and accommodate the size of: 2 Senior AFL/Cricket or 4 Football/Rugby League/Rugby Union fields, for softball and baseball, a minimum of 3 diamonds as per planning guidelines. • Where future sportsground developments are proposed with shared use by schools, priority should be given to consideration of synthetic surface provision. • Development of sportsgrounds within new release areas require connectivity to active transport networks within 500m of a public transport stop. • Tree canopy and provision of natural shade within sportsground precincts is to be optimised to align with Council’s Cooling the City Strategy. • Additional provision of shade, seating and connecting pathways is to be provided. • Where applicable, design infrastructure to provide additional active and passive recreation opportunities for the community.

56 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY STRATEGY ACTIONS Sportsground surfaces, buildings and associated • Strategic asset management plans to be developed for the upgrade, renewal, and maintenance of sportsground infrastructure. infrastructure sustain the usage demand and are • Levels of service to be determined with sports clubs and associations to determine maintenance regimes are consistent with the level of use and fit for purpose/fit for future competition standard. • All service levels that relate to management and maintenance of open space to be reviewed and updated. • Undertake a carrying capacity study of sportsgrounds, manage use accordingly and develop sportsground surface sustainability and management plans. • Sportsground construction specifications to be developed for new sportsgrounds. • Capacity of grounds to be increased by providing opportunities to train off the main competition grounds and identify alternative sites for pre- season training. • Future sportsground and facility provision is to be designed not be constrained by easements, underground infrastructure or unsuitable landforms. In terms of flood affected land: • Active open space shall not be located in detention basins. • Active open space ideally should not be flood affected. If flood affected the active open space shall not be located in areas • below 1% AEP flood event, unless Council is satisfied that the design achieves quality outcomes, accessibility and ensures water is managed effectively during flood events to ensure facility capacity for use is not affected. • At least 20% of all active open space facilities should not be affected by flooding. • Buildings associated with sporting fields should be flood free and situated AEP 0.01 or 1:100-year flooding.

New Amenity Buildings are to: • Provide for a range of functions now required by sports to operate and incorporate standards outlined in the Sports Sporting Organisations’ Facility Guidelines, particularly to address gender equitable and DDA compliant facilities for all players, spectators and officials. • Sited to serve multiple sportsgrounds, overlook fields and provide sufficient shade while minimising glare when watching play. • Designed to allow operations to allow shared use of the facility by more than one user group. • Consider incorporating a community meeting space as part of a new release area if determined relevant. • Environmentally designed to be sustainable and mitigate heat.

Existing Amenity Buildings: • Assessment of sportsground facility assets will include consideration of serviceability, accessibility and functionality as well as condition audits. • Incrementally assess and renew all amenity blocks to make them welcoming, food standard and Building Code Australia (BCA) compliant, inclusive, accessible, introduce environmentally sustainable design improvements and attempt to meet Sate Sports Organisations’ Facility Guidelines. • Upgrade amenities to address gender equitable and DDA compliant facilities for all players, spectators and officials. • Ensure provision of suitable storage facilities at each sports ground complex to support participation programs.

• Maximise use of contemporary technology for the management, maintenance and operation of sports facilities.

57 STRATEGY ACTIONS Sports/recreation clubs and associations • In conjunction with State Sporting Organisations and NSW Office of Sport facilitate localised strategic, facility planning and business planning are provided with support to enable good sessions for community sports organisations. governance, sustainable operations, and facility • Facilitate local market analysis of sport and recreation trends and participation and disseminate to clubs. planning and development t. • Develop a local Active Penrith Sports Network which focuses on collaboration, communication and co-operation for the management of sport in Penrith. • Collaborate with Government, State Sports Organisations and local sporting organisations to identify and realise sporting infrastructure, program needs and funding opportunities. • Prioritise and develop a program of policy, strategy and standard development which will guide the provision of infrastructure, services and programs. • Actively partner with sporting and non-sporting recreation organisations to support and promote their services and programs to the broader community. • Organise and implement an annual sports summit and establish a program of engagement with schools and other users of sportsgrounds. • Work with sporting associations to remove barriers and encourage participation for the following priority groups: Women and girls, Culturally and linguistically diverse communities and people of all abilities. Indoor Sports Facilities and Aquatic Centres will • Review the existing masterplans for Penrith and Ripples St Marys Aquatic Centres. meet the needs of the community. • Subject to funding; expand the Hydrotherapy Centre at Ripples St Marys to accommodate additional treatment and physiotherapy rooms in line with existing masterplan. • Within the next five years, investigate the viability of providing an additional Aquatic Centre within the LGA. Consider new release areas South of the M4. • Expand Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre by a minimum of four courts. • Subject to funding and future planning, develop a 10-court indoor facility in the South East Aggregated Area. • Review the feasibility study for an indoor multi-use sports centre in Jamison Park.

58 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY STRATEGY ACTIONS Unstructured recreation spaces and activities • Develop an ‘Unstructured Recreation Policy’ that highlights the importance and roles of recreation undertaken outside of formal settings within will be provided to accommodate changing existing resources, activities may include but are not limited to the following: trends in participation. • Informal cycle/bmx tracks • Mountain biking • Cyclo-cross • Parkour • Develop mixed recreation spaces throughout the City that provide for multi-purpose activities, multi-age participants and all abilities. • Create new recreation facilities with skate/scooter elements at a local level, as priorities, consider Cambridge Gardens, Emu Plains, Erskine Park, Kingswood and St. Marys. • Create a Citywide youth activity and skate/scooter/bmx hub south of the M4, including the South East Aggregated Area. • Investigate expansion and floodlighting of Jamison Park Skate Park. • Consider youth activity and skate/scooter facilities as part of Werrington Lakes Masterplan. • Identify locations for four pump tracks in the City. • Increase the number of outdoor fitness gyms and trails in the City. • Develop a minimum of one outdoor fitness facility and equipment in each Aggregate Area. • Prioritise the provision or upgrade of fitness equipment at Londonderry Park, Nereid and Borrowdale Reserve, Cranebrook, Chapman Gardens, Robin Wiles, Cook Park, Dukes Oval, Tench Reserve South, Regatta Park, Mulgoa Park, Mark Leece, Werrington Lakes (additional), Rance Oval, Brian King Park and Ridge Park. • Fitness equipment should be on parcels of land no less than district classification and in areas with optimal access and amenity. • Priority for future outdoor fitness equipment (all ages) provision is to be given to areas with low SEIFA index and poor health indicators. • Fitness equipment should be provided for users of all ages and abilities. • Increase the number of dog exercise areas in the City. • Develop a minimum of one dog off leash exercise area in each Aggregate Area. • Additional fenced dog off leash areas in medium density residential Aggregate Areas should be prioritised. • Not all dog off leash areas should be fenced. Fenced off leash areas should be minimum size of 400m2. • Diversity of off leash areas should be considered where possible (i.e. linear off leash walks, fenced off leash areas, dog obstacle and water play). • Dog off leash areas without fences should have established natural barriers and appropriate signage. • Dog off leash areas should provide natural shade, shaded seating, bins and drinking water. • Undertake an audit of walking and cycling networks to key leisure, recreation and sport destinations. • Priority should be given to the Nepean River and key parcels of open space. • Support the development of increased active recreation along Nepean River, as identified in the Our River Masterplan. • Enhance connections to trail walks as identified in the NSW Government Green & Blue Grid Strategies • Undertake a needs assessment and options for alternative uses of existing public tennis courts particularly in East 1 (St Mary’s) and East 3 (St Clair) • Liaise with National Sporting Organisation’s (NSO) to improve tennis court usage through improved booking systems and access. • Consider areas of oversupply to be converted to multi-purpose courts to provide football, basketball, netball and other active recreation opportunities. • Consider the delivery of new multi-purpose courts in deficient Aggregated Areas to provide tennis, football, basketball and netball active recreation opportunities. Sport and recreation continues to support • Sport facility plans to be developed which are strategically aligned with sports peak bodies and sport and recreation events. tourism strategies for the City. • Develop a policy to provide assistance to support large scale participation events, and major sports events.

59 60 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY DELIVERING THE STRATEGY

The Penrith Local Government Area has been divided into 12 “Aggregated Areas” for the implementation of upgrades, new facilities and future planning. They are: Rural North Central North North East Central East Central Central West East 1 East 2 Central South South East South West

61 RURAL NORTH

LONDONDERRY A significant portion of this area contains environmental reserves that are not under BERKSHIRE PARK Council Control e.g. Castlereagh and Agnes LLANDILO Banks Nature Reserve.

AGNES BANKS Council operates six reserves in the Rural North, CASTLEREAGH that range in size from 0.2ha - 9.0ha and are mostly outdoor sport and passive parklands.

Close to the Northwest Growth Centre, high levels of visitation from adjoining new suburbs in the Blacktown LGA are anticipated

STRATEGY ACTION ITEMS

YEARS 1 -5 ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING PENRITH LAKES SCHEME • Engage with community within the precinct to ensure the smaller reserves are • Advocate for the development of the Penrith Lakes Scheme as a providing suitable recreation outcomes. Regional Parkland. • Install waterplay at Londonderry Park. • Monitor population growth in Penrith LGA and adjacent Local Government LONDONDERRY PARK AND SPORTS OVAL Areas (Northwest Growth Centre). Assess the requirement to provide additional open space to support visitation increases. • Upgrade to District Status • Advocate for the development of the Penrith Lakes Scheme as a Regional • Undertake playspace upgrades Parkland. • Install outdoor health and fitness equipment. • Advocate to NSW Government to deliver multiple sport opportunities at the Penrith Lakes, including provision of road cycling, off road circuits and cyclo- WILSON PARK cross course, and equestrian activities. • Undertake playspace and recreation upgrade following community • Work with National Parks and Wildlife Service to improve connections into consultation. Wianamatta Park.

62 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY YEARS 6-9 YEARS 10-15

LONDONDERRY PARK AND SPORTS OVAL WILSON PARK • Upgrade amenities building. • Install training level floodlighting and upgrade field surfaces.

ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING • Engage and collaborate with NSW and Australian governments SMITH PARK on retaining high ecological values through creek corridors and • Install training level floodlighting and upgrade field surfaces. bushland reserves. • Monitor population growth in Penrith LGA and adjacent Local AREA WIDE Government Areas (Northwest Growth Centre). Assess the requirement to provide additional open space to support visitation • Improve one playspace through installation of shade, seating, accessibility. increases. NEW DOG PARK • Locate site and create plan for new dog park. • Deliver recreational off leash dog park on allocated site.

63 CENTRAL NORTH

CRANEBROOK One of the more established areas of the City, there are 85 reserves in this area, varying in size KINGSWOOD PARK from 0.035ha to 13.0ha. The types vary from LEMONGROVE predominantly Passive Parklands with Natural Areas, Creeks, Wetlands and Outdoor Sports for PENRITH (NORTH OF example Cranebrook Wetlands (Mountain View RAILWAY LINE) Reserve).

It is expected there will be a strong population growth as a result of expected high density developments in the South of the precinct (Penrith CBD).

STRATEGY ACTION ITEMS

YEARS 1 -5 PARKER STREET RESERVE IRONBARK RESERVE • Upgrade floodlighting, amenities buildings and car park. • Upgrade playspace following community consultation. PENDOCK ROAD RESERVE

GOLDMARK RESERVE • Upgrade playspace following community consultation. • Upgrade playspace following community consultation. BEL-AIR RESERVE

HENRY BRIGDEN PARK • Upgrade playspace following community consultation. • Upgrade playspace following community consultation. WEIR RESERVE

HICKEYS LANE • Upgrade Nepean Rowing Club boatshed. • Upgrade sports grounds.

64 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING WEIR RESERVE • Link sport, recreation and play areas to the green grid within the area and • Expand the Schools Boatshed. to adjoining suburbs. ANDREWS ROAD RESERVE (NEPEAN RUGBY PARK) • Masterplan Agnes Banks Nature Reserve and Agnes Banks East West Connections. • Upgrade amenities building, grandstand, field surface, car parking and • Integrate civic spaces with public transport opportunities and existing floodlighting. developments. ANDREWS ROAD (BASEBALL FACILITY) • Assess and if required; Improve eight playspaces through installation of new equipment, shade, seating and accessible connections. • Upgrade amenities and floodlighting to support community and • Monitor the requirement for two synthetic multi-sport surfaces at Parker representative Baseball programs. Street Reserve. GREY GUMS OVAL • Convert athletics track at Parker Street to multi-use field when synthetic track is constructed in the City following community consultation. • Construct Stage 3 amenities building and upgrade floodlighting to support • Investigate construction of Stage Three Grey Gums Oval amenities building AFL and little athletics. and floodlighting upgrades to support AFL and Little Athletics. CRANEBROOK OVAL • Develop a joint use agreement with the Department of Education for access to facilities at schools, e.g. Cranebrook High School. • Extend the amenities building to accommodate rugby league, cricket and • Continue to implement the ‘Our River Masterplan’. gridiron. • Improve connections identified in the Great River Walk Masterplan. SHERRINGHAM RESERVE • Upgrade floodlighting, ground surface and amenities building. YEARS 6-9 GRAY AND ELLIM PLACE YEARS 10-15 • Upgrade playspace following community consultation. AREA WIDE AREA WIDE • Reconfigure open space to provide for population increases in the southern • Enhance open space connectivity to link sport, recreation and play areas part of the area. throughout the area and to adjoining suburbs. Focus on connections between • Assess and if required; Improve eight playspaces through installation of new smaller reserves and main green corridor equipment, shade, seating and accessible connections. • Integrate civic spaces with public transport opportunities and existing development ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING • Improve connections as identified in the Great River Walk masterplan • Undertake community consultation and planning process for a water play facility. • Reconfigure open space to provide for population increases in south of the • Undertake community consultation for a new local playspace at Soling Aggregated Area. Crescent, Cranebrook. • Assess and if required; Improve eight playspaces • Maintain Cranebrook Dog Park and review future use.

65 NORTH EAST

JORDAN SPRINGS Jordan Springs consists of two distinct zones – the more established western portion and the newly developing eastern portion. A significant portion of the suburb is taken up by reserve and parkland, including the 400 ha Wianamatta Park, which is administered by the National Parks and Wildlife service.

Distribution of open space is well planned and the vast majority of residents live within 500m of a park or reserve

STRATEGY ACTION ITEMS

YEARS 1 -5 ADVOCACY AND PLANNING • Engage with National Parks & Wildlife Service regarding access to JORDAN SPRINGS EAST Wianamatta Regional Park. • Create a new multi-purpose sport, play and recreation precinct • Investigate a Regional reserve corridor in Jordan Springs to incorporate including; Ropes Crossing and South Creek to provide Passive Parklands, Outdoor • Six rectangular fields Sport, Creek and Wetland open space. • One full size oval field • Three synthetic cricket wickets YEARS 6-9 • District playspace facility • Cricket practice facilities ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING • A multi-sport court • Advocate for regional reserve corridor. • Car parking • Engage with developers to provide a diverse range of play opportunities • Amenities buildings. throughout the Aggregated Area. • Review the requirement for additional playspaces in the future.

66 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY 67 CENTRAL EAST

CAMBRIDGE PARK The precinct includes both established suburbs and new release areas creating CAMBRIDGE GARDENS diversity in quality and quantity of open space. WERRINGTON There are 128 reserves in this portion of the WERRINGTON COUNTY City, varying in size from 0.1ha to 33.0ha.They WERRINGTON DOWNS range from Passive Parklands to Natural areas, Creeks and Wetlands. CADDENS While there is already extensive access to CLAREMONT MEADOWS open space a further extension through creek KINGSWOOD corridors is required. Population growth is anticipated in the South of the precinct.

STRATEGY ACTION ITEMS YEARS 1 -5 ‘bull pens’ and batting cages at Chapman Gardens Precint (including Doug Rennie Fields). PARKES AVENUE AND RANCE OVAL PRECINCT, WERRINGTON. GIPPS STREET PRECINCT, CLAREMONT MEADOWS. • Upgrade amenities at Parkes Avenue and Rance Oval • Following community consultation construct a district open space and reserve, including: • Convert two single use courts to multi-purpose courts. • Walking/cycling loops, and outdoor fitness equipment • Upgrade two Tennis courts at Parkes Avenue to support formal and informal tennis use. • Four playing fields and two training fields • Improve irrigation at Rance Oval. • Amenities buildings and BMX, cycling and scooter facilities • An additional District level play space including water play following CHAPMAN GARDENS, KINGSWOOD. (INCLUDES community consultation. DOUG RENNIE FIELD) CAMBRIDGE GARDENS MIXED RECREATION AND PLAYSPACE • Provide fitness equipment within reserve. • Provide improved amenities, irrigation and field surfaces, • Create a multi-purpose recreation space following community consultation. floodlighting and ancillary infrastructure including baseball fencing, • Upgrade Trinity Drive playspace.

68 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY CADDENS ROAD SPORTSGROUND • WSU Kingswood & Werrington Campuses: liaise on land development and open space planning. • Complete construction of sports oval, amenities and cricket practice • Upgrade Rance Oval basketball court and provide a new mixed facilities. recreation space. KINGSWAY SPORTS PRECINCT • Kingsway South: upgrade irrigation. • Upgrade Arthur Neave tennis spectator cover. • Kingsway West: Construct new sportsfields and building amenities. • Install sports field lighting at Rance Oval. • Kingsway North: Upgrade existing sportsfield lighting, irrigation and improve amenities. YEARS 6-9 WERRINGTON SPORTS COMPLEX WERRINGTON SPORTS COMPLEX • Synthetic athletics track with floodlighting, field events areas, amenities and car parking. • Provide additional fitness equipment and designated Mixed Recreation Space

STAPELY STREET RESERVE ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING • Install shade, seating and pathways following community consultation. • Maintain and improve existing Archery facility to sustain existing range of competitions and programs, prioritising car park, seating and shade. ARMSTEIN CRESCENT RESERVE Review opportunities to accommodate growth. • Install shade structure. • Monitor Hockey participation rates and communicate with WSU regarding future facility provision. ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING • Upgrade Myrtle Road irrigation.

• Upgrade playspaces at Werrington Lakes. JIM ANDERSON PARK • Improve 16 playspaces by installing new equipment, shade, seating and accessible connections. • Install shade, seating and pathways following community consultation. • Plan for an additional Dog Park in the Central East. MANAGING NSW GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT CORRIDOR • Develop an agreement with the Department of Education for access to school facilities. • Review impacts of transport corridors and the need for replacement land. • Four additional indoor sports courts at Penrith Regional Sports Centre. • Undertake a Healthy Built Environment Audit to establish connections YEARS 10-15 into the Penrith CBD. • Link Werrington Creek network of open space to the CBD and East to South Creek. CAMBRIDGE PARK • Extend open space connections through the existing creek corridors • Develop new local play spaces at Manning Park, Oakland Parade & and suburbs. Greenbank Drive and Hunt & Chisolm Place, following community consultations.

69 CENTRAL

JAMISONTOWN A well-established portion of the Local Government Area that is expected to grow in the SOUTH PENRITH northern portion. PENRITH (SOUTH OF RAILWAY LINE) Containing 93 reserves that vary in size from 0.1ha to 40. 0ha, nearly 35% are less than 0.4ha. Open Space is predominantly passive parklands. There is a strong focus on sport in the Central and North East corner of the precinct.

While residents have good access to reserve areas, further access through creek corridors is required.

STRATEGY ACTION ITEMS

YEARS 1 -5 SPENCE PARK

TENCH RESERVE SOUTH • Playspace upgrade following community consultation. • Deliver playspace upgrades. BURCHER PARK • Deliver the Wharf Precinct, including playspace upgrade and • Playspace upgrade following community consultation. further park improvements. WOODRIFF GARDENS (TENNIS) CITY PARK • Significant upgrade tennis clubhouse, to sustain its status as a • Develop ‘City Park’ in Penrith CBD following community regional tennis facility. consultation. EILEEN CAMMACK RESERVE ROBINSON PARK • Upgrade amenities building. • Playspace upgrade following community consultation. • Playspace upgrade following community consultation.

70 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY JAMISON PARK HOWELL OVAL • Install additional shade structures and park furniture. • Maintain the oval as a premier district facility and review its use in five • Renew 16 court surfaces. years’ time. • Provide multi-purpose dual synthetic sports fields. ADVOCACY AND FUTURE PLANNING ADVOCACY AND FORWARD PLANNING • Review Penrith Aquatic Centre capacity use and requirement for investment. • Complete existing connections between suburbs to provide improved access to passive parklands, sport, Nepean River and • Develop a BMX/pump track at Robinson Park, Jamisontown subject to the CBD. community consultation. • Planning and community consultation to improve 15 playspaces through installation of new equipment, shade, seating and accessible connections. YEARS 10-15 • Develop a Green Plan for the Greater Penrith Collaboration Area in conjunction with the NSW Department of Planning and JAMISON PARK SKATE PARK Environment - Office of Open Space and Parklands. • Expand the skate park and install floodlighting. • Masterplan Jamison Park as a District Sports and Recreation Facility, including a multi-purpose amenities building, a review of the feasibility study for indoor multi-use centre and other amenities.

AREA WIDE • Create cycle and walk connections along the rail corridor and the Great Western Highway to assist in better connecting the CBD to the Health and Education precincts to the east • Consolidate and invest in better quality reserves within the precinct

YEARS 6-9

JAMISON PARK • Construct a multi-purpose amenities building to support synthetic sports fields operations.

71 CENTRAL WEST

EMU HEIGHTS This well-established portion of the City has 63 reserves ranging in size from less than 0.1Ha EMU PLAINS to 13ha, with nearly 60% of reserves less than LEONAY 0.4ha. There is a wide variety of setting types in the Precinct with the majority being Passive Parklands.

Population growth in this region is projected to be low.

STRATEGY ACTION ITEMS YEARS 1 -5 OUTLOOK AVENUE • Upgrade the playspace following community consultation . AREA WIDE LEONAY PARADE • Establish improved connections relative to the ‘Our River Masterplan’ (https://penrith.city/riverproject) when developed to • Upgrade the playspace following community consultation. provide increased open space and recreation opportunities. LEONAY OVAL REGATTA PARK • Upgrade sports field lighting and amenities buildings to support rugby • Enhance the existing provision of Open Space to perform at a league and little athletics. District level. Regatta Park is to form part of the Nepean River Regional Open Space. • Deliver a District level inclusive playspace at Regatta Park as part of the ‘Our River Masterplan’. Include the provision of water play and fully accessible amenities.

72 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY BUNYARRA RESERVE AREA WIDE • Upgrade the playspace following community consultation . • Improve seven playspaces through installation of new equipment, shade, seating and accessible connections. HUNTER FIELDS ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING • Upgrade the amenities building following community consultation. • Develop a joint use agreement with the Department of Education for DUKES OVAL access to facilities at schools, e.g. Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School. • Upgrade floodlighting and cricket training facilities. • Investigate the opportunity to access Department of Corrections land at ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING Emu Plains Correctional Centre for future sport facilities. • Community consultation and planning to install new equipment, shade, seating and accessible connections at seven parks. YEARS 10-15 • Investigate the opportunity for formalising recreational use of land adjacent to Emu Green on Russell St, Emu Heights. AREA WIDE • Continue rollout of improvement to seven play spaces through YEARS 6-9 installation of new equipment, shade, seating and accessible connections. DELORAINE DRIVE • Develop two new local play space in proximity to Leonay Oval Sportsground and Water Street Reserve. • Install new play space following community consultation. WEDMORE ROAD, EMU HEIGHTS LEONAY OVAL • Upgrade off leash dog park. • Upgrade lower amenities building.

DUKES OVAL • Upgrade Emu Park at Dukes Oval to support District level play space status, including the provision of equipment for older children and introduce youth elements. • Provide community fitness equipment adjacent to existing pathway network. • Upgrade amenities building to support community cricket, AFL and tennis.

73 EAST 1

ST. MARYS There are 71 reserves in this well-established area, ranging in size from less than 0.1ha to 33ha. NORTH ST. MARYS Distribution of reserves provides extensive access to open space within 500m of most homes, with a wide variety of setting types in the Precinct; the majority being Passive Parklands.

Population growth is projected to increase as the St. Marys CBD develops.

STRATEGY ACTION ITEMS YEARS 1 -5 BILL BALL OVAL • Upgrade existing amenities building. ROBIN WILES PARK ST MARYS TENNIS CENTRE • Major landscaping and infrastructure upgrade. • Upgrade and resurface four courts. MONFARVILLE RESERVE SPORTSGROUND RIPPLES ST MARYS • Develop plans for a new district playspace following community consultation. • Review and update Ripples St Marys masterplan (2013). • Upgrade sportsground amenities building. BORONIA RESERVE SPORTS COMPLEX BENNETT PARK • Refurbish the existing amenities building and provide an additional amenities • Deliver an integrated mixed recreation playspace following community building, upgrade floodlighting and playing surfaces. consultation. MANAGING NSW GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT CORRIDOR COOK PARK • Review impacts of transport corridors and the need for • Upgrade existing amenities building and grandstand. replacement land.

74 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY ADVOCACY AND FUTURE PLANNING MONFARVILLE RESERVE • Undertake community consultation and prepare designs for the • Develop as a multi-sport precinct, including floodlighting and field surface improvement of 12 play spaces. improvements and a mixed recreation space. • Work with NSW Government to develop spatial frameworks/ ADVOCACY AND FUTURE PLANNING masterplans for priority projects identified in the Sydney Green Grid. • South Creek Corridor: liaise with NSW Government to secure open • In consultation with NSW government plan for alternate new locations for space land and ensure environmental and sustainability benchmarks athletics, BMX, tennis and football due to potential transport corridor impacts. are met. • Undertake community consultation and plan to enhance open space YEARS 10-15 connectivity. • Prepare Masterplans following community consultations for: AREA WIDE Monfarville Street Reserve, Cook Park Sports Precinct St. Marys and • Improve six playspaces through installation of new equipment, shade, seating Boronia Reserve Sports Precinct, North St. Marys. and accessible connections. • Monfarville Reserve, St. Marys: undertake community consultation and prepare designs for a mixed recreation space. COOK PARK AND BENNETT PARK • Blair Oval Athletics amenities building upgrade. • Provide fitness equipment. YEARS 6-9 BORONIA PARK AREA WIDE • Upgrade off leash dog park. • Improve six playspaces: new equipment, shade, seating and accessible ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING connections. • Provide increased and upgrade of cricket practice area facilities in the • Assess future transport corridor impacts. Aggregated Area. • Develop a joint use agreement with the Department of Education for access to SOUTH CREEK CORRIDOR facilities at schools, e.g. St Marys Senior High and Dunheved College. • Secure land from NSW Government and ensure environmental and sustainability benchmarks are met. ROBIN WILES PARK • Provide fitness equipment, basketball, playspace, walk/cycle loops, shade and further enhancements to support District level status. POPLAR PARK • Embellish as recreational space for informal active sport and recreation activities following community consultation.

75 EAST 2

COLYTON A well-established portion of the City with 36 reserves ranging from less than 0.1ha to 12.5ha, OXLEY PARK of which some 60% are less than 0.4ha.

The overwhelming majority of homes have a wide variety of reserves within 500m of their front door, with the majority being Passive Parklands, followed by Natural areas, Creeks and Wetlands and local sports reserves.

Population growth may be achieved through future developments.

STRATEGY ACTION ITEMS GILMOUR STREET YEARS 1 -5 • Upgrade playspace, footpath, shade and seating following community consultation. ROPER ROAD RESERVE (KEVIN DWYER FIELDS) RIDGE PARK • Upgrade amenities. • Install irrigation, improve field surfaces and upgrade amenities building. BRIAN KING PARK POTTER FIELDS, SHEPHERD STREET • Upgrade playspace, footpath, shade and seating as part of the mayoral challenge. • Upgrade cricket training nets. • Investigate additional recreation facilities needed during playspace consultation process. ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING • Plan for a walking and cycling network that links Ropes Creek westward to BROOKER AND DAY STREET RESERVE South Creek and north to the major parklands corridor of Whalan Reserve • Upgrade playspace, footpath, shade and seating following and Tregear in the Blacktown LGA. community consultation. • Investigate the opportunity for recreational use of land adjacent to Roper Rd Reserve (Kevin Dwyer Fields) on land of the former Jam Factory Site.

76 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY MANAGING NSW GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT CORRIDOR POTTER FIELDS, SHEPERD STREET • Review impacts of transport corridors and the need for • Upgrade amenities building and improve field surface provision. replacement land. RIDGE PARK RESERVE YEARS 6-9 • Upgrade amenities building.

AREAWIDE YEARS 10-15 • Develop walking and cycling network that link Ropes Creek westward ADVOCACY AND FORWARD PLANNING to South Creek and north to the major parklands corridor of Whalan Reserve and Tregear in the Blacktown LGA. • Enhance open space connectivity to link sport, recreation and play areas • Establish a new dog off leash facility within Oxley Park following throughout the Aggregated Area and to adjoining suburbs. community consultation. • Develop a joint use agreement with the Department of Education for access • Improve nine playspaces through installation of new equipment, shade, to facilities at schools, e.g. Colyton High School. seating and accessible connections.

77 EAST 3

ERSKINE PARK A well-established region of the City with 89 reserves ranging from less than 0.1ha to 13ha. ST. CLAIR Nearly 40% of reserves are less than 0.4ha; most of which are within 500m of almost all homes.

There is a wide variety of setting types in the Precinct with the majority being passive parklands, followed by natural areas, creeks and wetlands.

Population growth within the precinct is projected to be static.

STRATEGY ACTION ITEMS

YEARS 1 -5 PETER KEARNS MEMORIAL OVAL • Upgrade playspace, include play equipment, seating, shade and pathway CHAMELEON RESERVE, ERSKINE PARK following community consultation.

• Provide increased open space and play opportunities. EXPLORERS WAY ERSKINE PARK OPEN SPACE RE-INVESTMENT • Upgrade playspace, include play equipment, seating, shade and pathway. STRATEGY DOROTHY RADFORD RESERVE • Implement Erskine Park Open Space Reinvestment play facility recommendations with upgrades to Capella Reserve, Aquarius • Upgrade playspace following community consultation. Reserve and Warbler Reserve, following community consultation. MARK LEECE SPORTSGROUND, ST CLAIR RIDGEVIEW CRESCENT RESERVE • Upgrade amenities building at Mark Leece Oval. • Upgrade playspace, include play equipment, seating, shade and pathway.

78 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY ST CLAIR SPORTS CORRIDOR (INCLUDES COOK AND ST CLAIR SPORTS CORRIDOR – INCLUDES COOK AND BANKS, SAUNDERS PARK AND PETER KEARNS OVAL) BANKS, SAUNDERS PARK AND PETER KEARNS RESERVE • Upgrade floodlighting at Cook and Banks Reserve. • Upgrade the amenities building, floodlighting and field surface improvements at Saunders Park. (St Clair Sports Corridor). ST CLAIR RECREATION AND LEISURE CENTRE • Provide additional storage and upgrade the car park at Peter Kearns Reserve. • Upgrade St. Clair Recreation & Leisure Centre to include resurfaced courts, dance studio improvement, and amenities. MARK LEECE OVAL ST CLAIR DOG OFF LEASH AREA • Enhance the existing Mixed Recreation Space (Skate and Youth facilities) at Mark Leece Oval following community consultation. • Improve St. Clair Dog Park, include small dog and large dog space, extend footprint, & dog play facilities. ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING • Enhance open space connectivity to link sport, recreation and play areas throughout the Aggregated Area and to adjoining Aggregated Areas. • Complete the missing sections of open space Byrnes Creek to the north (across the barrier of the Great Western Highway) and to the • Improve 13 playspaces: install new equipment, shade, seating and east. accessible connections.

YEARS 6-9 YEARS 10-15

MANAGING IMPACTS OF NSW GOVERNMENT FITNESS EQUIPMENT TRANSPORT CORRIDORS • Install fitness equipment for all ages at Pacific and Phoenix Reserve and • Review impacts of transport corridors and the need for Mark Leece Reserve. replacement land. ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING PEPPERTREE RESERVE, ST CLAIR • Develop a joint use agreement with the Department of Education for • Upgrade the amenities building, car park and irrigation at access to facilities at schools, e.g. St Clair High School, Erskine Park High Peppertree Reserve. School.

NEW PLAYSPACES • Develop a new local playspace in proximity to Arundel Park Drive. • Develop a new district playspace in proximity to Strauss Road Reserve in St. Clair.

79 CENTRAL SOUTH

GLENMORE PARK There are 37 reserves in this Precinct, ranging in size from less than 0.15ha to 33ha, most of which REGENTVILLE are within most homes.

There is a wide variety of setting types in the Precinct with the majority being passive parklands, followed by natural areas, creeks and wetlands.

Strong population growth is projected in the South East of the precinct.

STRATEGY ACTION ITEMS

YEARS 1 -5 THE CARRIAGEWAY • Installation of new equipment following community consultation. SUNBIRD TERRACE RESERVE GLENGARRY DRIVE • Installation of new equipment, shade, seating and accessible connections following community consultation. • Installation of new equipment, shade, seating and accessible connections following community consultation. ORIOLE STREET RESERVE NINDI CRESCENT • Installation of new equipment, shade, seating and accessible connections following community consultation. • Installation of new equipment, shade, seating and accessible connections following community consultation. RICHARDSON PLACE • Installation of new shading over playspace.

80 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY MULGOA SANCTUARY YEARS 10-15 • Develop one new District playspace at Linear Park, Mulgoa Sanctuary. AREA WIDE MULGOA RISE SPORTS FIELDS • Provide additional (minimum of five) sports grounds in the proposed • Provide an additional amenities building (change rooms) at Mulgoa Glenmore Park Stage Three designed in accordance with sports ground Rise Sports Fields. provision guidelines with one site to be considered for a synthetic surface. • Provide two multi-purpose courts and tennis courts to support active SURVEYORS CREEK SOFTBALL recreation in Glenmore Park. • Continue upgrading sports field lighting at Surveyors Creek Fields • Develop a new Local playspace in proximity to Glenmore Parkway Drive. to support District and Regional Softball programs. • Develop a new District playspace in proximity to Rotary Park, Glenmore Park.

CHED TOWNS SPORTS GROUNDS, GLENMORE PARK ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING • Upgrade amenities building. • Develop a joint use agreement with the Department of Education for access to facilities at schools, e.g. Glenmore Park High School. ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING • Preserve existing natural open space areas throughout Aggregated Area. • Masterplan the entrance rotunda to Glenmore Park (Cnr Mulgoa Road and Glenmore Parkway) following community consultation.

YEARS 6-9

AREA WIDE • Improve trail and creek connections throughout Glenmore Park and Regentville. • Improve walking and cycling connections throughout Glenmore Park & Mulgoa Rise.

ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING • Improve nine playspaces by installing new equipment, shade, seating and accessible connections.

81 SOUTH EAST

ORCHARD HILLS This part of the City is currently a rural lifestyle, but is undergoing rapid development in association LUDDENHAM with the Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek KEMPS CREEK and Sydney Science Park at Luddenham. BADGERYS CREEK There are currently 4 formal reserves in this Precinct, MOUNT VERNON ranging in size from less than 1.2ha to 11ha, consisting of Passive Parklands, Outdoor Sports, Natural Areas and Creeks and Wetlands.

High population growth is expected throughout the precinct (including Orchard Hills) with significant infrastructure and housing development forecast due to the Western Sydney Airport and Sydney Science Park. Appropriate open space will be a requirement for the land developers.

STRATEGY ACTION ITEMS YEARS 1 -5 NEW SPORTS & RECREATION FACILITIES • Deliver an additional District level sport and recreation space at the new SALES PARK, LUDDENHAM proposed housing development site at Orchard Hills. Infrastructure should include multiple playing fields for dual season use, amenities buildings and • Undertake playspace upgrade at Sales Park as a high priority, ancillary infrastructure. including pathway connections following community consultation. IMPACTS OF NSW GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT CORRIDORS SAMUEL MARSDEN RESERVE • Review impacts of transport corridors and the need for replacement land. • Upgrade facilities at Samuel Marsden Baseball Facility to • Relocation of existing Baseball and Equestrian Sites in the South East to accommodate Club needs in consideration of the long term future alternate venues should be considered if existing plans come to fruition. of the site.

82 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING SYDNEY SCIENCE PARK (NEW DEVELOPMENT) • Work with NSW Government to achieve Blue and Green Grid • Deliver additional sporting fields as part of the Sydney Science Park outcomes. Precinct at Luddenham. • Ensure that significant planning of an open space network, especially connections to South Creek, is undertaken to guide NEW MIXED RECREATION future development in the Precinct. • Consider the development of a Mixed Recreation Space to existing open • Apply open space provision benchmarks for new release areas in space in either Orchard Hills or Luddenham. the South East. In addition, allocate up to 60ha of open space to • Integrate walking trails, cycling, mountain biking and informal active replace existing sport, play & recreation provision to potentially be recreation activities into South Creek recreation planning. displaced by transport corridors. • Ensure that open space is provided and preserved relative to population increases and Western Sydney Airport impacts. YEARS 10-15 • Contribute to the NSW Governments priority projects identified in the Greater Sydney Green Grid including Blaxland Creek and DOG OFF LEASH FACILITIES Nature Reserve. • Improved access facilities at Samuel Marsden Riding Facility. • Provide a designated Dog Park in the proposed new release areas in the South East Aggregated Area.

YEARS 6-9 ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING • Consider development of a new BMX and Cycling facility within the DEVELOP NEW PLAYSPACES South East precinct should impacts of the proposed transport corridor be • Ensure developers deliver additional playspaces in new realised. development areas, in particular Orchard Hills to meet projected • Investigate the development of a 10 indoor court centre as part of a new population increases. sportsground and recreation precinct within South East to accommodate • Develop one new local playspace in proximity to Wentworth Road, for estimated population increases as part of the developer agreements. Orchard Hills. • Develop one new District playspace at Sydney Science Park, Luddenham.

ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING • Assess and if required; improve two playspaces through installation of new equipment, shade, seating and accessible connections.

83 SOUTH WEST

MULGOA There are 13 reserves in this precinct. They are relatively evenly spread across WALLACIA Passive Parklands, Outdoor Sports, Natural Areas and Creeks and Wetlands.

Key open space sites include; Fowler Reserve (5.8ha), Blaxland Crossing Reserve (8.4ha) and Fernhill Estate (412ha).

STRATEGY ACTION ITEMS YEARS 1 -5

DOWNES PARK, WALLACIA • Acquire land within Aggregate Area to compensate any category and classification of open space land lost through future infrastructure • Undertake a playspace shade upgrade. development. • Work with developers to deliver additional playspaces in new development ADVOCACY AND FORWARD THINKING areas to meet projected population increases. • Work with NSW Government to achieve Blue and Green Grid • Consider the development of equestrian activities and the potential outcomes. relocation of the Samuel Marsden Riding for the Disabled Centre at Fernhill • Liaise with NSW Government to realise open space and recreation Estate, Mulgoa. opportunities. • Investigate openspace and recreation opportunities at Fowler Reserve, • Develop Masterplans for priority projects identified in the Sydney Blaxland Crossing Reserve and Crossman Reserve, Wallacia. Green Grid.

84 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY YEARS 6-9

DOG OFF LEASH AREA • Provide a designated Dog Park in the proposed new release areas in South West Aggregated Area.

YEARS 10-15

MULGOA PARK IMPROVEMENTS • Deliver additional upgrades to Mulgoa Park and maintain at a District level, include provision of Water Play.

MIXED RECREATION AND FITNESS OPPORTUNITIES • Develop a mixed recreation space in either Mulgoa or Wallacia. • Upgrade existing open space to include fitness equipment and recreation loops in Mulgoa and Wallacia.

85 DEFINITIONS

TERM MEANING FOR SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY EXAMPLES Accessibility Accessibility is commonly associated with mobility standards and safety For example; when applied to playspaces, conforming to accessibility compliance. Accessibility refers to the physical ability of people to access a standards in key aspects including the equipment, surfacing and supporting place or thing. Accessible design mainly addresses the movement needs of facilities, creates an all abilities playspace. people with disabilities. Active Recreation Exertion through deliberate or incidental activity undertaken in a structured or Cycling, and walking unstructured setting. Aggregate Area A planning area of one or multiple suburbs. There are Eleven (11) Aggregate e.g. Aggregate Area - Rural North made up of multiple suburbs including; Areas within Penrith City Council. Rural North, Central North, North East, Castlereagh, Londonderry, Llandilo, Berkshire Park. Central West, Central CBD, Central East, East 1, East 2, East 3, Central South, South East & South West. Arts and Culture Arts and Culture can also be considered a core component of recreational Activities such as painting, arts and crafts, and learning a language. activity and may incorporate aspects of chosen learning and education through activities. Building Amenities Public toilet, change rooms, canteen, maintenance & storage facilities for the Sporting Amenities Buildings, Public Toilets, Bathrooms. use of the community while using public open space for recreation and sport. Community Facility This includes halls, community centres and meeting places where recreation Jordan Springs Community Centre, Library. programs can be delivered. Inclusion Inclusion considers as many needs as possible. They provide a welcoming For example: when applied to Inclusive playspaces provide access to a variety place where people feel comfortable yet challenged, and remove obstacles of play experiences people enjoy together. and barriers that prevent people of all ages, cultural backgrounds and abilities (both physical and mental) from participating. Informal Sport Informal sport is defined as traditional recognised sporting forms, played by Casual group of friends playing touch football or playing tennis. groups who are not affiliated to sporting bodies or paying membership fees. Landscape Amenity Creating landscape improvements to improve the pleasantness or Creating landscape improvements, seating, picnic area, vegetation, shade attractiveness of a place, improvements to a park through landscaping, trees, trees, turf establishment. plants, gardens, design paths and seating to make a park more pleasant to be. Leisure The residual time a person has after attending to the necessities of life. Holidays, weekends, personal time, idle hours. Mixed Recreation Space A Mixed Recreation Space is a designated active recreation area to be used BMX/Skate/Scooter Facilities, Pump Tracks, Rock Climbing and Parkour by people of all ages, abilities and interests to undertake recognized sport & Facilities or similar. recreation activities. Natural Area or Bushland Natural areas are set aside to provide locations for scientific observation of River foreshore, waterways, trails or bush tracks, national parks. natural systems, to protect examples of typical and unique plant and animal communities and to protect outstanding examples of natural interest and beauty. Natural areas are maintained in a natural condition by allowing physical and biological processes to operate, usually without direct human intervention.

86 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY TERM MEANING FOR SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY EXAMPLES Open Space The public and private open land available for public recreation and physical Natural areas, sports grounds, and Parks, River & Lakes. activity. Park or Reserve (same Parks provide the setting for activities across the spectrum of recreation, from Includes but not limited to: Playspace, sports ground, outdoor courts, fitness meaning) quiet reading to social gatherings to active sport. A park is an area of open equipment, BBQ/Picnic area & Skate park. Green Open Space. space which facilitates a range of passive and active recreation activities through the provision of recreation facilities. Passive Recreation Sedentary pastimes such as picnicking, relaxation, socialising, or cultural Picnicking, Reading, and Photography activities and pursuits. Physical Activity All physical body movements in everyday life. Includes incidental activity and Deliberate - planned exercise for recreation, fitness, leisure. deliberate. Incidental - exercise gained while being active for another purpose such as walking to the shops, cycling to work, or gardening.

Playspace A playspace is more than just equipment. It is the entire setting used and An inclusive playspace utilises principles of inclusive design and accessibility, enjoyed as part of the play experience. A space with a play focus for younger creating spaces people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. and older children such as playgrounds, nature play or adventure play. Precinct The all-encompassing area within the boundaries of a defined space. e.g. Jamison Park Precinct Recreation Recreation refers to those activities that are freely chosen and have an intrinsic See above Passive and Active Recreation examples. value, usually occurring in free (leisure) time which generate feelings such as enjoyment, relaxation and satisfaction. Recreation Facility Infrastructure ranging from indoor recreation facilities, aquatic centres, and Ripples Aquatic Centre, Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre, Fitness Centre indoor and outdoor courts that enable participation in recreation activities. (Private), St Clair Leisure Centre. Sport An activity involving physical exertion and skill governed by a set of rules or Football (Soccer), Netball, Diving & Athletics. customs, in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. Sporting Ground A sports ground is open space which is used primarily for organised sports. e.g Jamison Park Playing Fields, St Clair Netball Courts, Hunter Fields. Sports grounds are also available for informal recreation when not in use for organised sport.

87 Penrith City Council, 601 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750 4732 7777

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88 PENRITH CITY COUNCIL • PENRITH SPORT AND RECREATION STRATEGY